The Nakagin Capsule Tower, also known as “the pile of washing machines”, was build in Tokio in 1972, it was considered a very innovative building, being the first architecture design in capsules.
The module, of 14 levels was composed of 140 capsules that are stacked and rotated at different angles from a central core. It was created with the intention of accommodating businessmen who worked during the week in central Tokyo. It is also a famous example of japanese Metabolist architecture.
It is a sustainable and recyclable architecture prototype, because each module can be sustiuited or interchanged when needed.
Each capsule mesures 4,0 x 2,5 meters, ofering enough space for make a persone live in it comfortably. The interior space of each module can be manipulated through the conexion of some capsules.
The residents are plotting it demolition, because even though the capsules were build to be replaced, the building has not been maintainded in more than 33 yeard, which has resulted in damage to the drainage system and water pipes. Architects around the world are trying to work together to preserve the tower, considering all possible ideas and options
“Small house, big table”, the one Kurokawa wrote with capsules continues to pray: tiny house, big window.
I discovered Kurokaua throw a documental in youtube in which someone explained this building , despite his different facade , i didn’t like it at first due to i’m not so attrackted to concrete buildings, but when i heard his ideas about how it has to be made a building, with detachable units wich take advantage of the maximum space and are made with the best materials and techniques, I felt identified with his point of view and i was so interested on it. In that moment i did not investigate about his, but this project allows me the opportunity of know better his ideas and the Mestabolist Group, with whom I also share his way of thinking in many aspects.
BIBLOGRAPHY
https://elpais.com/diario/2011/08/06/babelia/1312589548_740215.html