Precedent Analysis Building Selection

Naoshima Contemporary Art Museum (1989-1992) – Kagawa, Japan
Architect: Tadao Ando

The Naoshima Contemporary Art Museum is an example of 20th century architecture that uses modern technology and ideals to create spaces that return to the ideal of becoming one with the environment. “The simple geometrical volumes of the museum are built within the hillside so as not to disturb the beauty of the natural landscape but to become part of it” (Silloway, http://www.galinsky.com/) Ando has created many interesting and beautiful interiors that reinforce the ancient Eastern ideals of letting light into the darkness and creating balance within a space.

Here you can see the soft glow within the art gallery. In addition to the art on the wall, the large glass window on the right frames the beautiful landscape and harbor below creating an ever changing piece of art itself. In the background you can see the open air space enclosed by high concrete walls. This space frames the sky above in a similar way. Interiorly the metal ramp that brings you higher on the hillside and to additional areas balances the strong window frame while also allowing unlimited points of view within the space and of the beauty beyond.

Naoshima Contemporary Art Museum is much more than just a building that houses art, it celebrates the landscape and creates multiple nooks and crannies in which to enjoy both the objects within and beauty that surrounds you.