The Nakagin Capsule Tower designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa is one of a few remaining examples of Japanese Metabolism. Completed in just 30 days in 1972, the building was the first realized example of capsule architecture.

 

Each capsule functions as a small living space or office. Inspired by the past, the size of the capsule was derived from a traditional tea ceremony room, with the window being an interpretation of Genko-an’s Temple Enlightenment window. Capsules are plugged into the central core and designed to be replaceable. With its avant-garde aesthetics, it possesses a unique quality, offering the opportunity of adaptation over time - a direct allusion
 to the Ise Shrine, which is rebuilt every 20 years.

 

Throughout the period of almost 50 years, the building fell into a state of disrepair. Before his death, Kurokawa proposed taking advantage of the flexible design by "unplugging" the existing boxes and replacing them with new and improved ones. Opposing the idea of a living structure, the capsules were never updated.

 

#savenakagin

​

animation