draft of text for designer brochure

Reputably known for his ability to envelope simple, clean design around innovative technology, Toyo Ito has become one of the world’s most influential architects of his time. The Japan based architect works with metaphor by combining the natural and artificial to create a virtual world. By creating this almost “dreamlike” environment, Ito allows others to look into the possibilities and endless opportunities in design, and to question previous notions of architecture. Ito’s main goal is to present a sense of improvement or betterment throughout his designs by using creativity and innovation to help the field of architecture and society as a whole to progress to new heights. Ito stresses the importance of efficient sensibility as the driving force behind the new technologies that he utilizes within his designs. It ultimately enhances the structures’ ability to satisfy the needs of its owner without complicating their already frenzied lives. By doing just this, Ito recreates the ideals of “home”- making each architectural structure a place of harmony, simplicity and warmth.

Unlike standard, mainstream architecture that shields its inhabitants from their outdoor environment, the designs of Toyo Ito embrace the natural surroundings and attempt to create a sense of transparency throughout each structure. Toyo Ito’s design for the luxury Italian shoe store, “Tod’s ”, in Tokyo, Japan is a perfect example of the way he infuses the organic environment within his design. The notable seven-story building’s façade presents a silhouette of crisscrossing broad lines, which were inspired by the tall elm trees that stretch down the entirety of the street that passes by the store front. The remnants of the building face are filled with glass panels, which bring in a great amount of natural light during the day, and help to accentuate the tree-like patters at night as the indoor light glows through. Toyo Ito’s architecture makes itself a part of the outdoor environment and invites natural light and impressive views to further destroy the idea that an architectural structure simply exists to shield its inhabitants from the elements. The open and inviting designs of Toyo Ito allow its end user to connect to its surroundings physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Therefore rethinking the previously accepted idea of architecture.

Toyo Ito’s approach to architecture seems complex and full of contradiction, yet it is truly simple and harmonious. He seeks effectiveness and efficiency in his designs, and tries to stray away from complicated layouts. Ito himself is a man of simplicity. He doesn’t care much for pets, he’d prefer to be a professional baseball player rather then an architect, and he doesn’t follow or even acknowledge trends in architectural design. To fully understand the unique and inspiring work of Toyo Ito, one must view its simple perfection.