“What can I do to make that stone Buddha be seen as a venerable presence that feels more solemn and yet also captivates people’s hearts?” - Tadao Ando
Tucked in the serene landscape of Hokkaido, the Hill of the Buddha by Tadao Ando stands as a testament to the fusion of architectural vision and spiritual purpose. This monumental addition to the Makomanai Takino Cemetery transforms an existing 13.5-meter-tall stone Buddha, carved from 4,000 tons of rock, in to a unique experience of sacred space and natural beauty.
Fifteen years after the Buddha was created, Ando was asked to bring it new life. Prior to the project, the Buddha sat exposed in an open field, appearing disconnected from its surroundings. Drawing inspiration from cave temples he encountered in Ajanta, India, and Dunhuang, China, Ando envisioned a manmade hill that would envelop the Buddha, leaving only its head visible. This design invokes a journey of discovery, reflecting his deep admiration of ancient sacred spaces.
The hill, covered with 150,000 lavender plants, transforms with the seasons; from lush green in spring, soft violet in summer, to snowy white in winter, creating a dynamic interplay between architecture and nature. Cultivating the lavender required careful planning, with seeds sown a year before construction and replanted by dedicated workers and volunteers.
Visitors approach the hill along a path that culminates in a watercourt, a meditative space that bridges the dramatic transition between the realms of worldly to the sacred. From there, a 40-meter tunnel lined with concrete ribs leads to the Buddha Rotunda, an open-air sanctuary where the Buddha sits under a boundless sky. This design encourages visitors to tilt their heads upwards, inviting contemplation and connection with the raw elements of nature—sunlight, rain, wind, and snow.
The Hill of the Buddha embodies Ando's philosophy: the journey to the sacred should be gradual and transformative. The project’s success owes much to the collaborative efforts of Yukio Takahashi, who embraced Ando’s daring concept, and the skilled builders who executed the complex design with precision.
Tadao Ando’s Hill of the Buddha not only redefines the role of architecture in sacred spaces but also harmonizes human craftsmanship with the raw beauty of nature, offering visitors an ever-changing, spiritual experience that resonates deeply within the soul.
Tucked in the serene landscape of Hokkaido, the Hill of the Buddha by Tadao Ando stands as a testament to the fusion of architectural vision and spiritual purpose. This monumental addition to the Makomanai Takino Cemetery transforms an existing 13.5-meter-tall stone Buddha, carved from 4,000 tons of rock, in to a unique experience of sacred space and natural beauty.
Fifteen years after the Buddha was created, Ando was asked to bring it new life. Prior to the project, the Buddha sat exposed in an open field, appearing disconnected from its surroundings. Drawing inspiration from cave temples he encountered in Ajanta, India, and Dunhuang, China, Ando envisioned a manmade hill that would envelop the Buddha, leaving only its head visible. This design invokes a journey of discovery, reflecting his deep admiration of ancient sacred spaces.
The hill, covered with 150,000 lavender plants, transforms with the seasons; from lush green in spring, soft violet in summer, to snowy white in winter, creating a dynamic interplay between architecture and nature. Cultivating the lavender required careful planning, with seeds sown a year before construction and replanted by dedicated workers and volunteers.
Visitors approach the hill along a path that culminates in a watercourt, a meditative space that bridges the dramatic transition between the realms of worldly to the sacred. From there, a 40-meter tunnel lined with concrete ribs leads to the Buddha Rotunda, an open-air sanctuary where the Buddha sits under a boundless sky. This design encourages visitors to tilt their heads upwards, inviting contemplation and connection with the raw elements of nature—sunlight, rain, wind, and snow.
The Hill of the Buddha embodies Ando's philosophy: the journey to the sacred should be gradual and transformative. The project’s success owes much to the collaborative efforts of Yukio Takahashi, who embraced Ando’s daring concept, and the skilled builders who executed the complex design with precision.
Tadao Ando’s Hill of the Buddha not only redefines the role of architecture in sacred spaces but also harmonizes human craftsmanship with the raw beauty of nature, offering visitors an ever-changing, spiritual experience that resonates deeply within the soul.
