Monograph Tadao Ando: A Masterpiece by Borjana Katic

Exploring the Architectural Tenets and Principles of Tadao Ando

The design of the monograph is inspired by the architectural principles espoused by Tadao Ando. The use of black and white does not overshadow the architectural works but rather accentuates the beauty of Ando's design. The chapters are delineated by the use of tracing paper, adding an element of playfulness. The haptic quality of the covers evokes Ando's concrete, while its sturdy and monumental character contrasts the ethereal quality of the interior.

What sets this monograph apart is its focus on issues and phenomena central to Ando's work and to contemporary culture and society, rather than focusing exclusively on individual projects. The book opens with a preface by Juhani Pallasmaa and closes with an essay by Tadao Ando, providing a comprehensive view of Ando's architectural philosophy.

The monograph is a result of a close collaboration with Tadao Ando Architect and Associates. The front and back cover of the book is made of cardboard, with two pieces glued together to achieve the desired thickness. The spine is open and letters on it are made by pad printing. The book signature consists of a combination of paper Magno Volume 170g and tracing paper Curious Translucents 92g.

The monograph is organized in four thematic sections, which tackle specific topics of Ando's prolific work: Dwelling, Fundaments of Architecture; Architecture and Nature, Constructing Landscapes; Urban Conditions, Strategy of Active Voids and Cross-cultural Dialogues. Each thematic section is divided by tracing paper to underline the ethereal quality of Ando's buildings.

The design project started in January 2018 and finished in March 2018. Since then, two exhibitions have been organised promoting the monograph, in Dubrovnik and in Zagreb (Croatia). The monograph is part of the offer of the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik, Upi2M, Buchhandlung Walther Konig GmbH & Co. KG in Vienna, Walther Konig Bookshop GmbH & Co.KG in Cologne, Publicaciones De Arquitectura Y Arte S.L. in Madrid, Librairie Ecosphere in Marne-La-Valle Cedex, Koenig Libri Srl in Milan.

The design was awarded Golden in A' Print and Published Media Design Award in 2019. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.