Nakagin Capsule Tower

The Nakagin Capsule Tower, completed in Tokyo in 1972, is a pioneering example of capsule architecture. Designed by Kisho Kurokawa, a key figure in the Metabolist movement, the building features 140 prefabricated capsules attached to two concrete cores. Each capsule served as a small living or office space, intended to be replaceable, reflecting the Metabolist belief in organic growth and adaptability in architecture.1

The capsules, measuring approximately 7.5 by 12 by 6.8 feet, were designed with a "mod" interior, including built-in furniture, a compact bathroom unit, and a single porthole window. While the capsules were designed with a 25-year lifespan, many remained in place long past their intended use, leading to discussions about their replacement and the building's future. The Nakagin Capsule Tower is considered a seminal work of modern Japanese architecture.2