Introduction to Toyo Ito
Toyo Ito was born in 1941 in what is now Seoul, South Korea, during the Japanese occupation. He later moved to Japan and pursued his education at the University of Tokyo, where he graduated from the Department of Architecture in 1965.
After graduation, he worked at Juzhu Qingxun Architectural Design Office from 1965 to 1969. In 1971, he founded Urban Robot (URBOT), a design office that would eventually evolve into the Ito Fengxiong Architectural Design Office. Today, he serves as the chairman of the company.
His breakthrough came in 1986 with the "Wind Tower" project, which brought him international recognition as a leading contemporary architect. In 2002, he received the Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Architecture Biennale, and in 2013, he was honored with the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Key Works
- 1981: *Stylistism and Modern Architecture* by Klein Labor, translated by Song Yongan and Zhang Guoshe
- 1989: *The Variation of the Wind*, published by Qingtushe
- 1991: *Monograph Toyo Ito*, Editions du Moniteur (France)
- 1997: *2G Monograph Toyo Ito*, GG, Editoriale Gustavo Gli (Spain)
- 2000: *Translucent Architecture*, published by Qingtu Society
- 2001: *GA Architect H Tovo Ito 1970–2001*, ADA EDITA
- 2001: *Monograph Toyo Ito*, Electa Architecture (Italy)
- 2003: *PLOT*, AD A EDITA Tokyo
Toyo Ito’s work has been deeply influenced by philosophers such as Gilles Deleuze and Sosuke Mita, and he incorporates concepts like "Nomad" and play into his architectural philosophy. His projects span across public and private sectors, both in Japan and internationally. One of his most iconic works is the Sendai Media Center, completed in 2001, which has inspired a new generation of architects worldwide.
Despite being in his 70s, Ito remains remarkably energetic and creative. His early interest in baseball and the influence of his grandfather, a wood dealer, and his father, who often sketched floor plans, played a role in shaping his career. During his studies at the University of Tokyo, he developed a strong passion for architecture. His early work on the Ueno Park reconstruction won top honors at the university, giving him the confidence to pursue architecture professionally.
Over the past four decades, Ito has designed a wide range of buildings—residential homes, offices, parks, libraries, shopping centers, and theaters—each with its own unique character. The Pritzker Jury praised his ability to blend conceptual innovation with precise construction. His work is not confined to minimalism or parametric design; instead, it reflects a distinct and independent vision. He does not follow Western trends or blindly admire more famous Japanese architects. Instead, he challenges conventions and resists being categorized.
Though he is known for being low-key, Ito remained relatively unnoticed by the Pritzker Prize for many years. The architectural community even advocated for his recognition. When he finally received the honor, he expressed deep emotion, stating that architecture is always shaped by societal constraints. However, he believes that even small steps toward freedom can lead to better spaces. After each building is completed, he feels his shortcomings, but that only fuels his drive for the next challenge.
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