TANGE Kenzo

(1913–2005) Born in Osaka Prefecture. While attending Hiroshima High School, Tange was inspired by an article about Le Corbusier and decided to become an architect. In 1935, he entered the Department of Architecture at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo). After working at Mayekawa Associates, Architects & Engineers, and completing his graduate studies at Tokyo Imperial University, he began teaching in 1946, mentoring many exceptional students. In 1949, he won first place in the competition for the Peace Memorial Park and memorial hall sponsored by Hiroshima City (completed in 1955). Tange received high acclaim for his architectural style blending regional traditional styles with modernism, as seen in the Yoyogi National Gymnasium and Kagawa Prefectural Government Building. He went on to design public buildings and urban projects worldwide.