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Pure Geometry

This term was used when referring to Ando's work and Khan's forms. After a good bit of research I concluded that the term was very loosely used, in Khan's case not well and with Tadao not specifically enough. Pure geometry in Tadao's case is his own theory of design and in Kahn's case it is just simply the "pure"/ basic shapes that are the square (sometimes they say rectangle), triangle, circle and yes they are very present in his and Ando's work.

Alexey Romanowsky


However I think that even if I hadn't researched any of the two those forms would have been present in my work, looking back on my past projects and those shapes can be observed. The big BUT however is how it is used, and although I do not have the concrete evidence it is fair to assume, even evident that their use of the forms have a lot more depth behind them. They understand what those shapes are, and how they have been used in the course of history and apply it very carefully, I might be thoughtful and careful with my use of it but no where near their extent. But nonetheless what was learnt here was useful, like I said I would've probably used these shapes anyway, but now I will be more considerate, and I will also research the importance of those three shapes in architecture, however that will be after this project, because I think for it to really make a difference I would have to research it a lot and I think I should focus on the development of the designs now.

Bangladesh National Parliament- Louis Kahn (1983)


In terms of Tadao's pure geometry, what he means is designing a building to its "ultimate perfection", and for him that is a building that is built around nature and that allows the visitors to experience through the 5 sense. So there is two parts to it from what I'm getting. One is the respect of the surrounding and the other is bringing those surroundings in. Tadao says that he allows the pre existing natural elements to command what the design of the building will be, he for example doesn't de root a tree because it is in his building's way but rather he designs around that. The other aspect is bringing the outside in essentially, and that is done in lots of way, for one Ando lets in a lot of light in, seeing. He leaves his materials bare, that is touch. And he often has cut outs in his building, for the smell, sound and taste. A great example of that would be the Church of Light. Now I've obviously quite simplified it, but thats just to get the point across. Anyway in terms of how useful that is for my project I think quite little. I am not starting with a specific plot of land that may have trees or whatever, I am merely designing a building, not specific to any site, and I don't want to build it for any specific site, I think that's just extra work, that wouldn't make the project specifically better in any way. I am however keeping in mind that this building would be in England or similar climate. The other part, of having buildings for the five sense could be be useful, but how appropriate would that be for this project, for example I won't have holes in my building to let the outside in because in England it's cold and wet or I don't think I'd leave bare concrete for touch, especially not in like kitchen or bedrooms because it picks up dust easily and so it's more cleaning.

Church of Light- Tadao Ando (1989)


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