Ando, Tadao (1941-...), is a Japanese architect noted for his unique use of space within a building. Working mostly in reinforced concrete, he creates enclosed spaces within his structures in ways that allow the introduction of shifting patterns of light and wind. His designs are mostly based on rectangles cut by curved or angled walls. Beginning in the early 1980's, Ando's designs exploited the natural settings of the buildings, such as ocean views or placement on the side of a mountain. Ando has designed homes, apartment buildings, museums, places of worship, and shopping centers and malls. Ando won the 1995 Pritzker Prize, the most prestigious international award in architecture (see Pritzker Architecture Prize).