Thinking Toyo Ito. 06 01 1941

Toyo Ito was born in Seoul, Korea on June 1 1941. Ito studied at University of Tokyo – Department of Architecture. He started his career at Kiyonori Kikutake Architect and Associates from 1965 to 1969. In 1971, he opened his own studio, Urbot, in Tokyo and then in 1979, he changed his studio’s name to Toyo Ito & Associates.

Ito always tries to explore new shapes and forms. Some of his building used many unusual shapes of windows. Below are some examples of his work; The Tama Art university, Mikimoto 2, Za Koenji public theatre and White O images were taken by a well known architect photographer, Iwan Baan. Gorgeous windows in the library with a great view, Beautiful curved shape in the building, a natural color of wall and floor make the library feels very cozy. The new forms cover the Mikimoto’s and Tod’s buildings make the building easily to be recognized. A phenomenal shape and color of the theater looks like a sculpture in the middle of the city. A beautiful apartment, Belle Vue Residences, might be the only reason for me to live in Singapore.

Unfortunately, I have never had a chance to visit any of these great buildings before and I hope I could do so in the near future. I would like to wish him happy birthday and always in the pink of health. I am looking forward to seeing more great buildings from him. Salute to Toyo Ito!