The Church of Life is a building that was designed by Tadao Ando. In this building it combines light and concrete. The church was built in 1989 and is located outside of Osaka, Japan. It is a perfect example of the power of simplicity.

The geometry is just six walls and a roof. A minimalist end point that requires a thoughtful process in order to eliminate everything that is irrelevant. This church is a prime example of the phrase, “less is more”.

When someone looks at the exterior, they are able to appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of the material. The reinforced concrete does not have any of the unnecessary materials that are not part of the construction process. The joints are built together with care and precision in order to create a smooth surface.

Many people feel an overwhelming sense of enlightenment when they walk into an ancient basilica or cathedral. While this church is not ancient nor huge, it can have the same impact. It is only about 100 square meters, but it can still have the same impact as a large church. This is due to the use of light and void, that it makes it feel linked to a great entity. The concrete also adds to this feeling by adding to the darkness of the church and creating more of a humble place of worship.