Kenzo Tange Quotes

A collection of quotes by Kenzo Tange.

Kenzo Tange (1913-2005) was a prominent Japanese architect and urban planner, known for his innovative and influential designs that reshaped the post-war architecture of Japan. Born in Osaka, Japan, Tange initially pursued studies in civil engineering at the University of Tokyo before switching to architecture.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Tange played a crucial role in the reconstruction of Japan after World War II. His design for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which involved incorporating the ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome into a new urban space, became a symbol of hope and peace. This project propelled Tange to international recognition.

In 1960, Tange's design for the Tokyo Bay Plan, a proposal for a futuristic metropolis built on reclaimed land, further showcased his visionary approach to urban planning. He went on to design numerous iconic buildings across Japan, including the Yoyogi National Gymnasium for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the Kagawa Prefectural Government Hall.

Tange's architectural style evolved throughout his career, starting with influenced by Le Corbusier's modernist principles and eventually incorporating elements of traditional Japanese architecture. He was also known for his experimentation with the relationship between buildings and their surrounding environment.

As a professor of architecture at the University of Tokyo, Tange taught and mentored many future Japanese architects who became significant figures in the field. His legacy continues to inspire generations of architects worldwide, and he is considered one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.

Designs of purely arbitrary nature cannot be expected to las

Designs of purely arbitrary nature cannot be expected to last long.

Kenzo Tange

Design

I feel however, that we architects have a special duty and m

I feel however, that we architects have a special duty and mission... (to contribute) to the socio-cultural development of architecture and urban planning.

Kenzo Tange

Architecture

Technological considerations are of great importance to arch

Technological considerations are of great importance to architecture and cities in the informational society.

Kenzo Tange

Architecture

There is a powerful need for symbolism, and that means the a

There is a powerful need for symbolism, and that means the architecture must have something that appeals to the human heart. There is a powerful need for symbolism, and that means the architecture must have something that appeals to the human heart.

Kenzo Tange

Architecture