A more emotional list of materials for Tadao Ando's buildings would include light, stillness, and space in addition to concrete, glass, and steel. A self-taught architect, Ando wandered the streets and back alleys of the United States, Europe, Africa, and his native Japan, studying places and spaces

Empty, Geometric, Metabolism and the japanese new wave, Minimalist architecture, Serene, Tranquil

He hails from the land of tea and crumpets, but Nigel Coates first found success in a country better known for sushi and sake. But though Japan was the first to embrace his futuristic, semi-permanent "pop" stylings, it wasn't long before his buttoned-down countrymen recognized Coates' avant-garde vis

Eclectic, Fantastic, Pop, Postmodern architecture, Quirky, Round

Imagine stepping onto the morning transport that delivers you to work. You reach inside a bag at your feet, take out a suit, and assemble it. Around you, other commuters are in various stages of inflating their portable housing units, and so you inflate yours. Once inside, you enjoy a cup of coffee,

Clever, Functional, Pop, Pop-tech

Lina Bo Bardi spent her childhood playing in the shadows of the basilica of St. Peter's. As an adult, she undertook a classical architectural training at Rome University and later went to work for the offices of the famed Gio Ponti in Milan. Applying herself to numerous disciplines -- including house

Functional, Italian rationalism, Modernist architecture, Organic, Organicism, Political, Round