Kisho Kurokawa - Nakagin Capsule Tower

Kisho Kurokawa
Nakagin Capsule Tower
Tokyo, Japan

The Nakagin Capsule Tower was the first capsule architecture design, the capsule as a room inserted into a mega-structure, built for actual use.
The Capsule Tower realizes the ideas of metabolism, exchangeability, recycleablity as the prototype of sustainable architecture.

Photo: arcspace

Located in the Ginza area of Tokyo, the Nagakin Capsule Tower, was originally designed as a Capsule Hotel to provide economical housing for businessmen working late in central Tokyo during the week.

The 14-story high Tower has 140 capsules stacked at angles around a central core. Kurokawa developed the technology to install the capsule units into the concrete core with only 4 high-tension bolts, as well as making the units detachable and replaceable.

Photo: arcspace

The one-man-room capsule, a modified (4 x 2.5 meter) shipping container, has a circular window, a built-in bed and bathroom unit, and is complete with TV, radio and alarm clock. The capsule interior was pre-assembled in a factory then hoisted by crane and fastened to the concrete core shaft.

Photo: arcspace

Residents in Japan’s most famous experiment in living and working in tiny pods are now plotting its demolition. Kurokawa's design theory was to replace the capsules when needed but the building has not been maintained in 33 years which has caused drainage and water pipes to be damaged.
The international heritage protection group Docomomo, have unsuccessfully pleaded for the United Nations' heritage arm to protect this landmark building.

Architect: Kisho Kurokawa
Design / Construction:1970-1972
Building Area: 429.51 meters
Total Floor Area: 3,091.23 meters

The Sony Tower (1976) in Osaka, also designed by Kurokawa, is another prototypical example of sustainable architecture. The capsules are the same size as those of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, but the exterior is made of stainless steel.

Photo: arcspace

Kisko Kurokawa arcspace features

January 2, 2006





				Features
		Kisho Kurokawa Nakagin Capsule Tower Tokyo, Japan The Nakagin Capsule Tower was the first capsule architecture design, the capsule as a room inserted into a mega-structure, built for actual use. The Capsule Tower realizes the ideas of metabolism, exchangeability, recycleablity as the prototype of sustainable architecture. Photo: arcspace Located in the Ginza area of Tokyo, the Nagakin Capsule Tower, was originally designed as a Capsule Hotel to provide economical housing for businessmen working late in central Tokyo during the week. The 14-story high Tower has 140 capsules stacked at angles around a central core. Kurokawa developed the technology to install the capsule units into the concrete core with only 4 high-tension bolts, as well as making the units detachable and replaceable. Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace The one-man-room capsule, a modified (4 x 2.5 meter) shipping container, has a circular window, a built-in bed and bathroom unit, and is complete with TV, radio and alarm clock. The capsule interior was pre-assembled in a factory then hoisted by crane and fastened to the concrete core shaft. Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace Residents in Japan’s most famous experiment in living and working in tiny pods are now plotting its demolition. Kurokawa's design theory was to replace the capsules when needed but the building has not been maintained in 33 years which has caused drainage and water pipes to be damaged. The international heritage protection group Docomomo, have unsuccessfully pleaded for the United Nations' heritage arm to protect this landmark building. Architect: Kisho Kurokawa Design / Construction:1970-1972 Building Area: 429.51 meters Total Floor Area: 3,091.23 meters The Sony Tower (1976) in Osaka, also designed by Kurokawa, is another prototypical example of sustainable architecture. The capsules are the same size as those of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, but the exterior is made of stainless steel. Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace Kisko Kurokawa arcspace features January 2, 2006