St. Mary's Cathedral
St. Mary's Cathedral in Tokyo, designed by Kenzo Tange and completed in 1964, is a landmark of modernist ecclesiastical architecture. Replacing the original wooden church lost during wartime, Tange’s design embraces sculptural boldness while reinterpreting traditional sacred forms.
Its distinctive silhouette is defined by eight sweeping, curved concrete walls that rise and twist, converging to form a cruciform plan when viewed from above. These soaring surfaces create a sense of upward movement, while vertical slits between them allow natural light to filter through, casting shifting lines of light that evolve throughout the day.
The stainless steel-clad exterior reflects Tokyo’s changing skies, making the building appear luminous and in constant transformation. Inside, exposed concrete surfaces emphasize structural clarity, their raw texture reinforcing the space’s solemnity and introspective atmosphere.
With its fusion of modern engineering and spiritual symbolism, St. Mary’s Cathedral remains one of Tange’s most profound architectural statements.
St. Mary's Cathedral in Tokyo, designed by Kenzo Tange and completed in 1964, is a landmark of modernist ecclesiastical architecture. Replacing the original wooden church lost during wartime, Tange’s design embraces sculptural boldness while reinterpreting traditional sacred forms.
Its distinctive silhouette is defined by eight sweeping, curved concrete walls that rise and twist, converging to form a cruciform plan when viewed from above. These soaring surfaces create a sense of upward movement, while vertical slits between them allow natural light to filter through, casting shifting lines of light that evolve throughout the day.
The stainless steel-clad exterior reflects Tokyo’s changing skies, making the building appear luminous and in constant transformation. Inside, exposed concrete surfaces emphasize structural clarity, their raw texture reinforcing the space’s solemnity and introspective atmosphere.
With its fusion of modern engineering and spiritual symbolism, St. Mary’s Cathedral remains one of Tange’s most profound architectural statements.
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