Nakagin Capsule Tower, Metabolism architectural building in Ginza, Japan
The tower was a residential block made of 140 prefabricated modules attached to two concrete cores, rising up to 13 floors. Each module could theoretically be replaced or removed to allow repairs or updates.
Architect Kisho Kurokawa designed the complex in 1972 as the first permanent residential building with capsule architecture worldwide. Demolition took place in 2022 after the modules could no longer be renewed over the decades.
The building name comes from Nakagin, a finance company that commissioned the project to offer work apartments for professionals. The capsules served as tiny retreats in the middle of the business district, showing how comfort and function can merge in very limited space.
The building stood near Shimbashi Station in Tokyo's financial district and offered compact living units for business people. Today only the memory of the structure remains, though some rescued capsules can be viewed in exhibitions.
After demolition, 23 capsules were saved, with 14 kept in their original condition. The remaining 9 were preserved as skeleton frames for future exhibitions and cultural projects.
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