The Ando Haiku
This was a design we created as part of the “Sculpting The Pioneers” competition that required us to create a monument as an ode to a renowned architect at a specific site. We chose to celebrate the work of Ando by creating a space that embraces the ideal of emotional nothingness. The site showcases two features of importance to us – a birth monument dedicated to a Japanese poet, Yosa Buson who was famous for his Haiku and the river Yodo, which is the lifeblood of Osaka. Our structure integrates these two contexts by brining in the changing water level of the river into the structure and honour Ando through Haiku:
Discover Beauty
The Nothingness of Space
In Play With Nature
Ando’s work spans over four decades and we chose to view it through three phases, showing the evolution of his ideology and style that always remained true to the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, which was also employed by several Haiku poets.
The structure is purely geometric and sits with its axis oriented towards the Yosa Buson Monument. A journey through architectural expression cleanses the mind and gradually prepares one for the experience of nothingness. It begins amidst a grove of cherry blossoms guiding a visitor along stark concrete walls that open into a clearing. It is through this enclosure that one can experience our sculpture situated in the midst of a reflecting pool.
Once inside you experience a close relationship with the changing water levels of the River Yodo, being able to walk down the stepped scape down to the water
The cut out unites the waters below to the sky above through the play of light.
The creation is a pure form of a cube with a stark cylindrical volume piercing the space allowing a flood of light to enter a dark volume.
The culmination of the journey is the experience of a burst of light and the expanse of sky viewed in solitude on a deck.
PLAN
The creation is a pure form of a cube with a stark cylindrical volume piercing the space allowing a flood of light to enter a dark volume.
3500 sq. metres
Osaka, Japan
Monument
Competition