Constructed in 1972, designed by Kisho Kurowaka, the Nakagin Capsule Tower still stands dilapidated but proud amongst Tokyo’s skyline.
Originally designed for office workers who needed somewhere to stay in the city during the week, it has now become a hotel for tourists. At the time it was built, it was a prime example of the architectural Japanese movement “Metabolism.” Taken from the biological concept, the idea was for the building to develop as time went on, reacting to its future environments.In other words, each of the 140 capsule units could be disconnected by detaching four screws from the main core body of the building. The unit would then be updated or replaced if it had reached a state of disrepair. However, after Kurowaka’s death, the building was left to its own accord, and unfortunately only twenty of the total number of capsules are now liveable.
The building’s exterior has a dystopian futuristic air about it – whether that’s because of its run down state, or whether the future that belonged to the ‘70s is different to the future we envision now. Either way, its retro-futuristic personality continues inside, each capsule minimal and compact. It resembles on first glance, imaginative spaceship living quarters. If you ever dreamt of being an astronaut as a child (and abducting a NASA rocket is still on your to-do list) the Nakagin Capsule Tower might make for a perfect compromise.
The alarm clock and light dock, television and audio systems are reminiscent of a space station’s mission control. The furniture unpacks and unfolds from the walls with the twist of a key to create desks, beds, shelving, wardrobes better than IKEA’s space-saving concepts ever could. The studios covering just 300 square feet are equipped with kitchens including a fridge and sink and a separate bathroom. The door with rounded corners that leads to the en suite floats above the flooring – mind the step – in a very space-age way. However, there’s no running hot water because of the timeworn pipes. According to guests who’ve stayed, the circular windows when opened created noise that, “utterly surpassed any horrific sound in existence.” Perhaps a little oil is required considering its old age.
But then again, considering its old age, unbelievingly it’s thrust itself into modernity by creating its own app for your phone. The building has an extra capability that’s still working today; each capsule can move up and down accommodating your ideal city-skyline viewing-habits. Using your phone, you can schedule your move of the capsule to any place you wish amongst the main tower. That has to be an incredible update of cost-effective technology as most of the building is in disarray. Along with the move however, comes a shakeup and an earthquake; a tad worrying with Japan’s already-fragile seismic plates.
The “Metabolists”, Kurokawa Kisho, Kikutake Kiyonori, and Maki Fumihiko envisioned that their magnificent ideas would become the future, comprising of, “marine cities that spanned Tokyo Bay, and cities connected by highways in the sky where automobiles pass between clusters of high-rise buildings.” While I’m still waiting for it all to come to fruition, Airbnb currently has a posting for an available capsule. Take a look if you fancy a taste of the ‘70s future: http://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1305889
Yonder 