Once you arrive in Tokyo’s busy commercial district of Shimbashi, a short walk from the station brings you to a noisy highway overpass, and beside that the futuristic Nakagin Capsule Tower. The tower’s stunning design may strike passersby as something straight out of a science-fiction movie, but it stands as a unique architectural beacon amongst the common apartment high-rises and office buildings of Ginza. Designed by the late Japanese architect Kurokawa Kisho, the 14-story tower is composed of 140 individual capsules that function as apartments and business offices. The tower has also served as a prototype of sorts for uniquely Japanese urban accommodations, such as business and capsule hotels.
Written by Blair McBride
But the future of the tower is uncertain. For various reasons, including maintenance concerns and a lack of local support for preservation, the building will be demolished in less than two years unless a substantial preservation plan can be formed and accepted. The possible demolition would be a disappointing loss for Japanese architecture, as few of Kurokawa’s Metabolist buildings remain in Japan.
Nakagin Capsule Tower and Metabolism
Constructed in 1972, the tower is a prime example of Kisho’s Metabolism architecture movement that focused on adaptable, growing, and interchangeable building designs. Metabolism — the word suggesting organic growth that responds to its environment — influenced every step of the tower’s construction. The capsules were manufactured in a factory in Shiga Prefecture and transported to Tokyo by truck. They were then attached to the tower’s central beam. The capsules were designed to be removable and replaceable from the central beam. Even the seemingly small space inside the capsules can be modified — it can be increased by connecting capsules to other capsules. The tower’s simple, minimalist design was deliberate. As a Metabolist building, Kurokawa believed that the inherent beauty of materials like concrete and steel meant that they didn’t need any special modifications or decorations.
But why construct a capsule building in the first place? Kurokawa observed that throughout Japanese history, frequent natural disasters — and also the destruction caused by World War 2 — meant that Japanese cities built from natural materials had temporary, even unpredictable lifespans. Kurokawa therefore wanted to continue that tradition of temporality in building design by constructing modern but changeable buildings.
The Metabolist ideas found in the Nakagin Capsule Tower were born in 1960 at the “World Design Conference” held in Tokyo. Most Metabolist buildings were constructed in the 1960s and 70s. Other than Nakagin, some notable Metabolist works of Kurokawa that use capsules include The Karuizawa Capsule House in Nagano and the Sony Tower in Osaka. Unfortunately, the Sony Tower was demolished in 2006. Also noteworthy is the gently curving, cellular-inspired Yamagata Hawaii Dreamland Resort in Yamagata Prefecture. An important Western building influenced by the Metabolist Movement is Habitat 67 in Montreal, Canada, designed by Moshe Safdie.
The work of Kamakura-based architect Jin Hidaka is heavily influenced by Metabolism. Hidaka operates the Slowmedia Japanese architecture forum. He will present a talk entitled “Reconsideration of the ‘Metabolism Model’” at the upcoming Design 2050 Union of International Architects (UIA) congress, to be held in Tokyo in 2011. As Hidaka states, the Metabolist ideas of the 1960s “were very new, they saw cities as ‘moving’ and dynamic, that concept is real. Metabolism wanted to collaborate with engineers, they invited scientists, designers, and industrial designers. They wanted trans-cultural collaborations. It’s still relevant because of the ‘dynamic city’ and trans-cultural aspects. I want these collaborations to continue.”
But Metabolist buildings such as Nakagin and the Sony Tower haven’t proven as resilient as their ideas. “Metabolism wanted to create a new system of architecture,” Hidaka explains. “For example, product design where you can change different parts of it after finishing. [But] Metabolism has limits.”
Those limits are seen in the Nakagin Tower. Hidaka says that Nakagin “is a complicated building and a complicated situation.” Despite the tower’s importance as a major Metabolist project, Hidaka admits that there were faults in design. “The tower had a design period of only four months — shorter than usual, and it was rushed. The designing went on even after construction had already started.”
The capsules around the central beam were intended to be replaceable, in line with the Metabolist philosophy of interchangeability. But the capsules haven’t been replaced, and Hidaka points to the design to explain why. “The capsules can be taken apart from the center beam, but only from the top, not the bottom — a simple design problem because taking them apart from the bottom would be easier.”
Way forward
The complicated nature of the tower is evident in the mixed levels of support seen for the preservation of the building. As Mr. Tanaka of Kurokawa Kisho Architects explains, there is support for repairing the building, “but then due to budgetary concerns from a small group of people, it was decided after the votes [were collected] from the residents that it is to be demolished,” making way for a new building.
On the other hand, international support for preserving the building is enormous and articulate. In a survey by London-based World Architecture News, over 10,000 architects in 100 countries were polled on their thoughts on preserving the tower. The survey results were as follows: 75% for replacing the capsules, 20% for leaving it as is, and 5% for demolition. Even if the tower is demolished, international interest remains high. According to Hidaka, “the 2010 Pompidou exhibition will showcase Japanese architecture, and they want a capsule to exhibit if it is demolished.”
Despite the unfortunate possibility of demolition, there are other options for the future of the tower. One is to buy the capsules from the owners one-by-one. That could be an expensive option, but for Hidaka, “it’s worth the cost of buying the capsules if the building can be preserved.” Other possibilities include opening a competition for new interior designs and replacing the current capsules with new ones. If the capsules are replaced, another option is to use the tower as a hotel. But according to Hidaka, Kurokawa tried to do just that and found the situation “difficult.”
No one can be sure as to what will happen to Nakagin. But the building and the ideas behind it have represented unique and appreciated contributions to architecture. Jin Hidaka is optimistic that Metabolism can still contribute to architecture and culture. Metabolism can’t be done “the same way anymore, but if we can change the direction we can do it. Because now we have the technology that they didn’t have back then.”
The Nakagin Capsule Tower certainly faces a troubled future, so if you’d like to check it out for yourself, do it as soon as possible!
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Wow! It’s like living inside a washing machine - only nicer!
Posted by: N on December 22nd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
[...] dos últimos textos é sobre a Nakagin Capsule Tower. O bom texto explica a crise que a fascinante torre (que eu não [...]
Posted by: PingMag: criação e inspiração japonesas on December 22nd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I ever passed by this famous building, but not a chance to take a look into its interior design.
Thanks PingMag, nice report.
Posted by: Cyrex on December 22nd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Judging from this article, I’m sure you’re the Japanese people are easily fooled.
In a land steeped in the ancient understanding of nature, this tower, this piece of shit building, well exemplifies how to CONTAIN the human spirit.
How quickly the Japanese people have been fooled.
I love the stains that cry down the walls! Are you sure that building isn’t a prison? You know what I mean, put a human being in there as a means of punishment.
WAKE UP!
Posted by: neil on December 23rd, 2008 at 1:47 am
I’m glad I was able to see it, in case it is demolished!
Posted by: Saint on December 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 am
a beam is a horizontal element btw :P
there was a thread on pushpullbar full of ideas on how the capsules could be recycled…worth checking out.
i reckon they should be cleaned up and randomly dotted around tokyo, in all its nooks and crannies.
…’oh look there’s another one!’
Posted by: respect the architect on December 23rd, 2008 at 4:08 am
Wow. I would move into there. Minus the small in-wall TVs…
Posted by: Timothy on December 23rd, 2008 at 4:51 am
This is truly a grat building an should be saved, I think all the modules but one should be replaced; that way the original situation is documented. After 50 years, all but one could be replaced again. Using a material lighter than concrete might also allow for a larger module thereby improving the economics of the building since the real incentive to tear it down is that more square meters are allowed than currently built.
Posted by: Robert on December 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 am
Interesting concept for a building which, on balance, should be preserved for the future. However I guess only a few people would choose to live in a place like that given the small size of each pod. The idea of a modular, replaceable building is worth pursuing for the future.
Posted by: MiNGLED on December 23rd, 2008 at 9:01 am
I saw it with my own eye when I was in Tokyo in spring :) very impressive.
Posted by: Trinh on December 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
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Posted by: Nakagin Capsule Tower: Architecture of the Future | Architecture Lab on December 23rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
thank you Blair McBride for this article with nice photos!
when I first visited Tokyo the first thing I wanted to see was the Nakagin Capsule Tower. For me the most important Japanese building ever! (and Japan has so many great architecture…)
The people who own the apartments, did not now the unique history of this building when the bought it?
In the Netherlands there is a law that you can’t demolish architecural monuments without permision of the government. The City of Tokyo should buy this monument, restore it and give it a new life as a centre for architecture, with studios for architecture students studying the rich history of Japenese Architecture.
Posted by: Aad Krol on December 23rd, 2008 at 5:41 pm
very good idea from Aad Krol!
Posted by: Flavio Hebaru on December 24th, 2008 at 1:55 am
This kind of living would suit me. I’ve had placed in New York smaller. And if you could take it with you, like your property is your own, no matter where you go, that would be killer.
Posted by: Michelle McCormack on December 24th, 2008 at 4:48 am
[...] [PingMag] [...]
Posted by: Czy budynek Nakagin doczeka niedalekiej przyszłości? - TechNow.pl on December 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
[...] Unfortunately, the complicated nature of the Nakagin building, as well as several design flaws thanks to a rushed drafting schedule, may have ensured its demise. Budgetary concerns over repairing and maintaining the building caused residents to vote that it ought to be demolished. With it goes an integral piece of Japanese architectural history. [PingMag] [...]
Posted by: yKvz Blog » Blog Archive » Nakagin Capsule Tower Looks to be From the Future, But Probably Won’t Make it There [Architecture] on December 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
oh, i didn’t know the interior was this great.
it would be a shame if it really got demolished, but if it did, i’d have a capsule, please
Posted by: sofie on December 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
[...] Unfortunately, the complicated nature of the Nakagin building, as well as several design flaws thanks to a rushed drafting schedule, may have ensured its demise. Budgetary concerns over repairing and maintaining the building caused residents to vote that it ought to be demolished. With it goes an integral piece of Japanese architectural history. [PingMag] [...]
Posted by: thecolor » Nakagin Capsule Tower Looks to be From the Future, But Probably Won’t Make it There [Architecture] on December 25th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Neil: I think you really need to WAKE UP! No one is forced to live there. It’s a statement of individuality, and a break from conformism and traditional living spaces. Swallow your pride and understand once and for all that not everyone is as cynical and depressed as you are, and want to have FUN!
Posted by: MrSatyre on December 25th, 2008 at 3:33 am
MrSatyre, no one is forced to live there unless you are stuck with living in one of the pods and being unable to obtain different accommodation. Try living on the 14th floor of a concrete block, believe me it’s no fun. Truly like living in a washing machine.
Posted by: Stane on December 25th, 2008 at 5:33 am
[...] one such building that I’d like to see preserved rather than demolished! Filed under: Exploring, Stuff [...]
Posted by: ® Andy’s blog of blogs » Blog Archive » A truly stunning building under threat! on December 25th, 2008 at 5:47 am
If it’s so historical and replaceable, why don’t they just move the capsules somewhere else? Then the people who want it gone will be happy, and the people who want to keep it will be happy.
Posted by: matt on December 25th, 2008 at 7:54 am
This is very lucky smart building. Sleep in it make brain go happy.
Posted by: James on December 25th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Ever been on a cruise ship? Take away about 20 square feet, the waves and ocean view and you have your sleeping quarters.
Posted by: Rob on December 25th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Put it inside the Astrodome along with a Frank Lloyd Wright to make a museum.
Posted by: john on December 25th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I’m sorry they rushed it so much. I’ve seen it many times, not the interior, and have always thought it was unique. I travel all over the planet (I have over 2 million miles on one airline alone) and what I see is a melding of looks in building design and if we don’t be careful, which we won’t, soon everything will look the same.
Posted by: John Miller on December 25th, 2008 at 8:11 am
An amazing building and truly inspirational. There must be a middle-ground between ripping it down and having to buy each unit from the owners one by one. Something between pure defeatism and pure greed. There’s something called architectural heritage and as much as it means some people lose money, some buildings must be kept.
Posted by: Anonymous on December 25th, 2008 at 8:20 am
It must be extremely depressing living in a small box.
Posted by: Paul on December 25th, 2008 at 8:21 am
the stucture is admirable but i detect that it is neither huricane or quake proof and is a disaster wating to happen
Posted by: paul smith on December 25th, 2008 at 8:31 am
oh yes, someone correct me if i am wrong thanks
Posted by: paul smith on December 25th, 2008 at 8:34 am
[...] Unfortunately, the complicated nature of the Nakagin building, as well as several design flaws thanks to a rushed drafting schedule, may have ensured its demise. Budgetary concerns over repairing and maintaining the building caused residents to vote that it ought to be demolished. With it goes an integral piece of Japanese architectural history. [PingMag] [...]
Posted by: Ink and Virtue » Blog Archive » Nakagin Capsule Tower Looks to be From the Future, But Probably Won’t Make it There [Architecture] on December 25th, 2008 at 8:34 am
well it is interesting, almost like something out of star trek, as far as living in it, might be fun the first 2 days until your family comes to visit, unless they too own a cube
Posted by: EVG on December 25th, 2008 at 8:39 am
i think it’s kool but i’m only looking at the pictures i think it would be nice to get some response from the residents who actually live in one of the capsules i for one would love to hear what their thoughts are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: elmo on December 25th, 2008 at 8:46 am
and a wonderful merry merry christmas to everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: elmo on December 25th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I had never heard of this building. I hope they are able to preserve it. Thank you for the expose.
Posted by: bridge on December 25th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Should be made into a prison now or detention center for the bad kids. Take away all the technology they have and give them crappy 3 channel white and black TV!! 8 spring bed toomake them learn a lesson LOOOOOOL
Posted by: Anonymous on December 25th, 2008 at 9:17 am
[...] http://pingmag.jp/2008/12/22/nakagin/ by Nelson Filed under: dreams [...]
Posted by: _dreams » Blog Archive » Nakagin Capsule Tower: Architecture of the Future on December 25th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Must not be the most comforting place to live but its an iconic representation of Japan’s need for space. Space efficiency is a key design element and there are many good examples of it in Japan. Some not so good though. I would rather sleep in one of these than in a decaying 70s bed town.
Posted by: Designer in Japan on December 25th, 2008 at 9:29 am
[...] and is composed of 140 individual capsules designed to be either apartments or business offices. PingMag has an amazing expose on the building and more on Japan’s Metabolism [...]
Posted by: Ink and Virtue » Blog Archive » Nakagin Capsule Tower Looks to be From the Future, But Probably Won’t Make it There [Architecture] on December 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Much ado about very little. Ugly outside, uncomfortable inside. The residents know best. Bring it down now.
Posted by: Varmint on December 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Doesn’t it seem odd that of all the people who want to save this piece of “history”, none of them live or work in it? If a building doesn’t work for the people who use it, what is worth saving? This is waayyy too focused on the creator/architect and his concept and not enough on those whom the creation is supposed to serve.
Posted by: A Resident of a Building on December 25th, 2008 at 10:31 am
“This is very lucky smart building. Sleep in it make brain go happy.”
LMFAO @ James
Posted by: Harvester on December 25th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I like the concept! I’m well suited for such a cozy dwelling. I wouldn’t find it confining, I would find it effecient and comforting, if.. it were quiet, and I expect they are. Maybe we need a 21st century version of this? I like the concept of portability as well. Move your home to a new location and plug it in. Attach it to a building, let it stand alone, bury it in a hillside,.. lots of options with modules.
Posted by: Walker on December 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
First of all those of you that calls the individual spaces in this building “cramped” probably never actually seen what living spaces are like in Tokyo.
Second of all, people are saying the building is ugly need to appreciate the uniqueness of this building. Compared of what you see today it can be “ugly” but it is art of its own and I really find it interesting to see a building like this. It might not be a good place to live in (angular buildings is not necessarily pleasant to live in) but might make a good office building.
It is sad to see it torn down. This building was built in the 70s mind you and unlike the “futuristic” buildings we see built within the last decade or so so it is a historical architecture of it’s own - to see how people saw the future 30 years ago.
Unfortunately there are not enough people out there to appreciate this.
Posted by: passerby on December 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am
I wish the article told us a bit more about the situation of the residents. I’d really like to hear what they have to say and why they voted as they did. Were they, for example, told their apartments would be larger if the space is demolished and rebuilt?” That could affect the vote.
The building reminds me of one of the pix in the book THE ISOLATED ART OF MICHAEL LEE FORD (which I highly recomend).
Posted by: Harvester on December 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Wow ! Those rooms look so Kubricksque cool !
Posted by: blauereiter on December 25th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
The Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo is one of the most amazing piece of art on earth. Timeless architecture, i say preserve it! Some one mention it being a prison…hello! a prison where you can come and leave as you please uhm; maybe they met it can be a mental prison. I have to add I could not get over Michelle McCormack’s comment to take it with you where ever you go LMAO !!!! That I’m not sure will be possible any time soon my friend :D
♡ Bedazler XoXo ♥b_d♥ =)
Posted by: Bedazler on December 25th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
[...] those photos are from the interior of an apartment building in Shimbashi, Tokyo - more info here from a PingMag [...]
Posted by: the music of sound » My new studio on December 26th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Make it a gay building: a cruise ship you can “cruise” 24/7 and through large round windows, pick up horny salarymen in the Shimbashi. Now that is a convenience flat. Just take out built in 8 track and 3-channel BW and put in wall size plasma, wifi. Heaven.
Posted by: kagema on December 27th, 2008 at 2:33 am
[...] PingMag a consacré un sujet à cette édifice témoignant du mouvement métaboliste qui visait à créer un nouveau système d’architecture focalisé sur des conceptions adaptables, évolutives et interchangeables, anticipant sans le savoir les bâtiments préfabriqués empilables modernes. [...]
Posted by: Habiter dans une capsule sans être astronaute - Gizmodo - Tant d'amour pour ces fabuleux nouveaux gadgets, c'est surnaturel. on December 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
great article. essential stuff.
thanks pingmag
Posted by: troika on December 29th, 2008 at 7:43 am
[...] Nakagin Capsule Tower: Architecture of the Future Designed by the late Japanese architect Kurokawa Kisho, the 14-story tower is composed of 140 individual capsules that function as apartments and business offices. The tower has also served as a prototype of sorts for uniquely Japanese urban accommodations, such as business and capsule hotels. (tags: architecture design) [...]
Posted by: links for 2008-12-28 « Mandarine on December 29th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
[...] [...]
Posted by: endangered architecture at most of you are average on December 30th, 2008 at 9:58 am
[...] PingMag - Tokyo based Pingmag decide to call it a day. A shame as they posted some great [...]
Posted by: Connected: Experimental Jetset, PingMag, Bloom | Pocket Noodle on December 31st, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Seeing the tower in person is on par with looking at a great sculpture. Regardless of what happens with the interiors, the building is an icon of Japanese art and should be preserved. If it was transformed into a tourist friendly attraction it could be Tokyo’s little Eiffel Tower and easily pay for itself. It took me an hour of looking for it and even the locals didn’t know where it was!
Posted by: Gunnar on January 1st, 2009 at 10:05 am
[...] read all their articles but now will do but a off the top of my head list of my fave PINGS are pingmag.jp/2008/12/22/nakagin/ pingmag.jp/2007/04/20/dainippon-type-organization/ pingmag.jp/2006/07/03/dry-cleaning-typography/ [...]
Posted by: Superlocal » Blog Archive » sad news on January 5th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Hi
We reproduced “Nakagin” in Second Life.
http://archidemo.blogspot.com/2008/12/kisho-kurokawa-in-second-life-completed.html
Posted by: Hidenori Watanave on January 5th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Thanks for the memories! When I lived in Japan in the 80s, an employer of mine owned a capsule there and I got a chance to see it. It looked just like the picture except the bed had been removed (it was used mostly as an office but she used a futon if she stayed there overnight). I remember the bathroom being essentially one piece of molded plastic - it was tiny! I hope they can find a way to preserve it.
Posted by: Lynn on January 11th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I went and had a look over it myself last time I went to tokyo..
which is just abut last month. Me and my friends wanted to have a look inside and wanted to feel how it is actually like inside this very small room ^^ but, it was a pity that we couldn’t get in and see. The guy in the receptionist told us that we couldn’t go in,people are still living in it. And I read in a media, it is going to be demolished by this year’s spring. So, I was gald to see them and being surprised by the amazing room. Reading more on “metabolists” theory of Kurokawa, sometimes in a point it is amazing, but sometimes it also seem ridiculous. But, in any case,this thinking was really thoghtful and briliant, and I don’t think all architect could made such theory with a big influence on the users. Considering some comments I read above, I don’t think the Japanese was fooled, or stess living on it. For a japanese, small rooms are likely to be living in, they are convenient and full of hidden spacious place. Just like the real japanese house ^^
Posted by: enrica on January 17th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
[...] the rest here [...]
Posted by: Nakagin Capsule Tower: Architecture of the Future - Verb Noun on January 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
[...] more at PingMag. [...]
Posted by: Nakagin Capsule Tower « The Silver Lining on January 26th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
[...] Original post that provoked this rant from [PingMag] [...]
Posted by: » Archives » Metabolist Architecture on January 27th, 2009 at 8:47 am
I think it’s inspirational. I saw it the other day by surprise and my heart leapt and I was like “YES! That’s great! I didn’t know it was possible!” And I like living in small spaces they are easy to clean. I wish they wouldn’t demolish it, it breaks my heart. If buying each capsule is even an option, why don’t all those architects who are mad form a coalition and each buy one of them? Or even timeshares? I would certainly buy one if I had the money. But maybe foreigners cannot buy real estate in Japan…
Posted by: kati on January 30th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
[...] Bonus article on pingmag [...]
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Posted by: metabolismo « jesarqit on February 17th, 2009 at 8:07 am
2001 a space oddissey wow!!!
Posted by: alessio on February 23rd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
[...] a look on PingMag for more information about this exceptional [...]
Posted by: The Pop-Up City — Metabolist Masterpiece: Nakagin Capsule Tower on April 6th, 2009 at 8:20 am
[...] Nakagin Cupsule di percaya akan menjadi wajah arsitektur masa depan, benarkah? [...]
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[...] the rest here [...]
Posted by: paranın adresi on May 31st, 2009 at 2:41 am
I think it’s inspirational
Posted by: kitap satarak kazan on May 31st, 2009 at 3:00 am
Thanks for the memories
Posted by: trafik çekme on May 31st, 2009 at 3:01 am
[...] PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Nakagin Capsul… [...]
Posted by: The Nakagin Capsule Tower — LimbicNutrition Weblog on June 1st, 2009 at 1:19 am
[...] (via PingMag) [...]
Posted by: Nakagin Capsule Tower nostalgia at Appendix™ Magazine Online on June 1st, 2009 at 5:19 am
grossartige Architektur!
Posted by: darius gondor on June 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 am
This is an awesome building! Hey Americans… you know that all of the apartments in Tokyo are small… right?
Posted by: potato boy on June 4th, 2009 at 3:44 am
Ебануццо можно, какой пиздец…
Posted by: SB on June 4th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
So, “Architecture of the future” is a 37-year life-spanned concrete hamster cage whose “flexible, adaptable” interiors STILL look like frames from late 60s sci-fi kitsch?
Architects must love urban Japan, where most cramped, compressed, suffocating cultural phenomena have been so successfully fetishized. We keep designing as if Tokyo is some pinnacle of efficiency, modularity, adaptivity, and futuristic optimism– where it’s just overcrowded and everything is responding to THAT.
Posted by: JJ on June 13th, 2009 at 3:16 am
wow, now that is the kewlest thing ever, certainly a marvolous bit.
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Thank You for the excellent site and journalism.
Posted by: Antalya Evden Eve Nakliyat on June 18th, 2009 at 2:36 am
[...] Kurokawa Kisho’s Nakagin Capsule Tower [...]
Posted by: Nakagin Capsule Tower on June 19th, 2009 at 12:48 am
This architecture seems very interesting.
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kabin üretimini yapıyoruz.
Posted by: kabin on July 1st, 2009 at 8:23 pm
[...] torre nakagin [...]
Posted by: 01:23 (Asobi Seksu-Thursday) « discofiasco on July 3rd, 2009 at 6:13 pm
You can almost picture Wes Anderson or Terry Gilliam making this the set of his next film. Pity so little maintenance was done to render it into such a state. Though renovation is being touted as prohibitively expensive, surely there is some rich developer with vision still standing after the great planet-wide real estate bust? One that appreciates the retro-future vibe that this outpost could provide.
Buy out the residents, drop a few million, and turn it into one of the most interesting hotels in the world. I can’t imagine a single artist, filmmaker, architect, bachelor, hipster, or acid-hound that wouldn’t want to stay there.
Posted by: elZaphod on July 7th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
satılık ve kiralık yatlar…
Posted by: yat kiralama on July 11th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
[...] The coming destruction of Nakagin Capsule Tower. [...]
Posted by: Future Vision Banished To The Past | Superposition Kitty on July 13th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
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Posted by: Nakagin Capsule Tower: Architecture of the Future « warioarts-blog on July 20th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
It is amazing!
Posted by: istanbul airport transfer on July 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I liked it so much.
Posted by: istanbul tours on July 23rd, 2009 at 10:31 pm
good job!
Posted by: istanbul shuttle on July 23rd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I just visited the Capsule Tower today, it was wonderful, I sketched the building for two hours only to leave because it started raining too hard.
I am an architect student, but I will try to give the Tower an unbiased opinion.
The towers themselves have not been properly maintained, the insides smell musty, and they are painted a bleak grey. However the walk up the tower was not that bad as there is a rotating stair well so you don’t notice how far you have gone up until you are at the top, and there was no natural lighting.
However I did peak into three capsules. All of them had wooden floor and looked newly refurbished. I am living in Tanashi right now, let me say these Capsules had more light from their one window (mind you it was cloudy today even) and more space than my room in Tanashi has with a walk out porch. If any of you have lived in japan I’m sure you can understand this.
The location of the building is great and near a JR station, the bottom floor has a Combini, I would have been happy to live there at least there I would have a window that lets me see the sky.
I think they should preserve this building, it is a wonderful piece of architecture. For any of you who know architecture history, they preserved Villa Savoye even though it did not function properly.
With preservation we are not saving a building, we are saving an idea that deals with sustainability and urbanism.
Posted by: Matthew on July 23rd, 2009 at 10:38 pm
para kazanmak ister misin
Posted by: para kazanmanın yolları on July 31st, 2009 at 5:25 am
kolay para kazanma yolları
Posted by: çok para nasıl kazanılır on July 31st, 2009 at 5:26 am
keep the capsules and modify the design
Posted by: Anonymous on August 2nd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
emeklilere ek iş olanakları
Posted by: emeklilere ek iş on August 6th, 2009 at 6:28 am
keep the capsules and modify the design
Posted by: yeni iş on August 11th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Looks a bit horrifying, but beautiful
Posted by: aaa-handbag on August 16th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Very imaginative, I admire the designer
aaa replica handbag
Posted by: aaa replica handbag on August 18th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
modify the building services, change it’s function from residential to hotel, as an tourism attraction!
Posted by: Engkie on August 27th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
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Posted by: pingmag « haloadri on August 30th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
thax for comments area
Posted by: general electric sevisi on August 31st, 2009 at 6:10 pm
please preserve the building. i had an opportunity to see the building in my last trip to tokyo in ‘97. the building has historical importance. it serves as an example of “out-of-the-box” (no pun intended) architecture. -blurey
Posted by: blurey on September 8th, 2009 at 9:09 am
thax for comments area
Posted by: emeklilere ek gelir imkanı on September 11th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
forever antioksidan ürünleri nelerdir
Posted by: antoksidan ürünleri on September 21st, 2009 at 3:28 am
thank you very much. good work
Posted by: hairstyles on October 11th, 2009 at 7:19 am
I saw it with my own eye when I was in Tokyo in spring =) very impressive.
Posted by: lida lida on December 2nd, 2009 at 7:47 pm