Nakagin Capsule Tower

Built from 1970 and opened in 1972 the Nakagin Capsule Tower was a innovative masterpiece by architect Kisho Kurokawa. Kurokawa developed the technology to install the 2.3m x 3.8m x 2.1m sized capsule units into a concrete core with only 4 high-tension bolts, making the units detachable and replaceable. The capsules were designed to accommodate the individual as either an apartment or studio space, and by connecting units they could also accommodate a family. Complete with appliances and furniture, from audio system to telephone, the capsule interior was pre-assembled in a factory off-site and then hoisted by crane and fastened to the concrete core shaft. -(via)

But now it’s being knocked down. The concept is beautiful just detatch four bolts and bolt in a different prefabricated unit, but it never happened. Not once in its 35 year life was a unit replaced. Also not being space efficient, the next building on the site will have some 60% increase in floor area, I guess the design has failed with the active collusion of the client who has never maintained the building and seems to have no interest in the opportunities the design brought with it. As maybe one of the pre-eminent buildings of the metabolist movement its a shame that the architect’s plan for saving the building and updating it couldn’t have been realised.

However there is also a wider point of interest that these buildings that are designed to be modified are rearely used in that way at all. Lloyds of london by Richard Rogers is another building that is designed to be expanded by adding floors but this has never been done either, if you have to put so much work into changing a ‘changeable’ building anyway why bother in the first place, you can always knock out any wall and add whatever you want later.

(Nakagin geolocated)
treehugger article(with lots of good links)/case study.

For some more photos