Tadao Ando: 'There is a role and function for beauty in our time.'

There is a role and function for beauty in our time.

Tadao Ando, a renowned Japanese architect, once stated, "There is a role and function for beauty in our time." This quote encapsulates the profound meaning and importance of beauty in our contemporary world. Beauty has a crucial role to play in our lives, influencing our emotions, perceptions, and overall well-being. It holds the power to uplift, inspire, and connect us to our surroundings and to each other. However, when exploring this concept more deeply, an unexpected philosophical concept arises – that of subjective and objective beauty.On the surface, the quote suggests that beauty serves a purpose in our modern era. It implies that beauty is not merely frivolous or superfluous but holds a significant role. The word "role" implies a functionality, suggesting that beauty has a purpose beyond aesthetic pleasure. In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, beauty has the potential to offer solace, create harmony, and bring balance to our lives. Whether it be in art, nature, or the design of our built environments, beauty has a transformative effect on our overall well-being.Furthermore, the quote sheds light on the relevance of beauty in our time. In an era dominated by efficiency, technology, and constant stimulation, the importance of beauty may be overlooked or undervalued. However, Ando's assertion challenges this notion, reminding us that beauty remains a fundamental aspect of our humanity. In a world where everything is quantifiable and measurable, beauty eludes those boundaries, reminding us of the intangible and mysterious aspects that make life rich and worth living.Delving deeper into the concept of beauty, a philosophical debate arises – that of subjective and objective beauty. Subjective beauty refers to beauty perceived through an individual's personal experiences, tastes, and preferences. It is shaped by cultural, societal, and personal influences, embodying the notion that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. For example, a person might find beauty in an abstract painting, while another may find it in a vibrant sunset.On the other hand, objective beauty pertains to qualities that are universal and timeless. It transcends personal preferences and cultural biases, appealing to a broader collective consciousness. Objective beauty can be found in natural phenomena like a pristine waterfall or the symmetry of a mathematical equation. It exists independent of individual opinions and possesses an inherent power to impact people universally.The interplay between subjective and objective beauty is a constant source of fascination and discussion in the realm of aesthetics. While subjective beauty celebrates individuality and personal interpretations, objective beauty upholds the notion of a shared human experience and an inherent order or harmony that exists beyond individual influences. Both subjective and objective beauty have a role and function in our time, enriching our lives in different ways.Ultimately, Tadao Ando's quote reminds us of the enduring importance and relevance of beauty in our contemporary world. Beauty escapes the limitations of time, transcending the transient nature of our existence. It has the power to evoke emotions, to connect us with our surroundings and with each other, and to remind us of the intangible aspects that make life meaningful. Whether subjective or objective, beauty continues to play a vital role in inspiring and enriching our lives, serving as a source of solace, inspiration, and interconnectedness in an ever-changing world.