Warmth of Gray Concrete | Church of Light
The Church of Light (光の教会, Hikarinokyōkai) is a renowned church designed by the world-famous architect Tadao Ando. It stands out for its minimalist “less is more” architectural concept. The official name of the church is ‘Ibaraki Kasugaoka (茨木春日丘),’ and it was completed in 1989. Tadao Ando designed not only the chapel but also the hall and parsonage.
Chapel with the ‘Cross of Light’
What’s particularly striking is the unique design of the chapel. Instead of a traditional cross, there’s a cross-shaped gap in the front wall that allows natural light to create a beautiful cross. The use of exposed concrete and careful space planning gives the building a simple yet elegant look, minimizing waste.
A simple yet stylish chapel
The ‘Cross of Light’ in the chapel is a horizontal and vertical gap in the wall behind the altar, allowing sunlight to form a radiant cross. Unlike Catholic churches, Protestant churches like this one don’t feature statues of the Virgin and Child or angels. It’s a testament to understated beauty.
A warm ‘Church Hall’
The chapel’s interior is deliberately simple and stylish. The floor and chairs are painted black to accentuate the light emitted by the ‘Cross of Light.’ Despite its small size, the space is meticulously designed to create a calm and peaceful ambiance by masterfully controlling light and darkness. The ‘Church Hall’ is a welcoming area where you can register for tours. It has a different atmosphere from the chapel, with light wood-colored floors and chairs and large windows that create a bright and inviting setting. The cross here is made of logs.
Tadao Ando’s architecture is ingenious. As soon as visitor enters, the chapel’s sight is breathtaking. Natural light streams in through the cross-shaped gap, illuminating the front where the believers sit, akin to God’s grace. Amidst the starkness of exposed concrete, the warm wooden interior provides a sense of calm. The dark chapel floor adds drama to the natural light. It’s a departure from the traditional church design, and Tadao Ando’s inspiration for it is truly remarkable.
“I am confident in this building, but because of the worship to God, I knew that the building was completed better than I had hoped for. Only when I attend the service will I be able to see the true appearance of this building.”
-Tadao Ando-