Comparative Study of Tadao Ando and Santiago Calatrava Works (In order to derive nature-inspired solutions for architecture design)

Despite numerous efforts for improving the process of architecture design in recent decades there has been seldom proposed clear solutions for architecture design in line with helping the nature. Thus, it seems necessary to explore, compare and analyze the available samples and works of great architects in order to derive their design strategies in confrontation with nature and gain some clues for enticing the imagination of designers for using them. Based on the assumption that analyzing and comparing two different attitudes to nature in architecture design can provide some nature-oriented strategies, this research aims to compare the dynamic form-oriented approach of the Spanish academic architect, Santiago Calatrava, with space-oriented approach of the Japanese experimental architect, Tadao Ando, to the nature. Meanwhile, in addition to investigating the masterpieces of the two architects, some of the nature-derived components of their designs are elicited and classified. This research is descriptive-analytic and uses a comparative method. Indeed, using such method as well as library and electronic sources, the authors try to investigate the responses of the two architects to natural factors like natural forces, context, type of the advancement of their architecture into nature, the quality of using light etc. Exploration and comparison of nature-inspired approaches in their works reveals the contextual feature of nature of which each architect has a different reading according to his personal, scientific, cultural and social background. Also, while classifying the patterns of using nature in their works, a number of elements and strategies for better application of nature to entice the imagination of designers have been proposed; strategies like selection of site inside the nature, infiltration of light into the building, physical penetration into nature, visual penetration into nature, combining the space with natural elements, creating dynamic landscape, inspiration from trees, birds, animals and animate beings, and integration and connection with surrounding environment.