Exterior Architecture: Sculptural Steel and Monumental Curves
St. Mary’s Cathedral (東京カテドラル聖マリア大聖堂) in Tokyo, designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, stands as one of the most influential expressions of modern sacred architecture. Completed in 1964, the cathedral redefined what a contemporary church could be, replacing traditional stone ornament with sculptural concrete forms and shimmering stainless steel.
A Monument Rooted in Peace and History
Kenzo Tange approached the project with a desire to express themes of resurrection, ascension, and transcendence through pure architectural form. The cathedral’s footprint forms a subtle cross, but instead of revealing the symbol in plan alone, Tange expressed it three-dimensionally through sweeping concrete shells that rise toward a central vertical axis. The design is contemplative yet modern, monumental yet serene.
The exterior of St. Mary’s Cathedral is defined by eight hyperbolic concrete walls that curve upward like wings or petals. These sweeping forms meet at sharp vertical ridges that emphasize upward motion, giving the cathedral the appearance of lifting toward the sky. The building is clad in stainless steel panels that transform continuously with the movement of light. Under bright daylight the cathedral gleams like a polished monument, while at dusk it reflects soft hues of the sky, merging the structure with its environment. The minimalist façade relies entirely on form to convey its spiritual presence, offering a contemporary alternative to the elaborate detailing of traditional ecclesiastical architecture.
Brutalist Interiors
The interior of the cathedral is striking in its simplicity and grandeur. The tall concrete walls create a dramatic sense of verticality that naturally draws the eye upward. Exposed concrete surfaces, softened by carefully directed natural light, establish a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the reflective exterior. Narrow slits and skylights introduce shafts of illumination that travel across the walls throughout the day, making light itself feel like a living architectural element. The altar sits beneath the cathedral’s highest point, bathed in gentle brightness that symbolizes spiritual clarity.
Kenzo Tange’s funeral was held at St. Mary’s in March 2005.
Visiting the Cathedral
Visitors can enter the building grounds and interior during normal hours 9am – 5pm, except during scheduled events.
The tower is located about 20 mins from Central Tokyo, and is a short walk from the nearest subway stations at Gokokuji / Edogawabashi.
Project Details
Completed: 1964
Architect: Kenzo Tange
Photographs : © Finbarr Fallon (2025)
