The dismantling of the metabolist Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo began on 12th April 2022. The interiors of its modular capsule homes already resembled a “demolition site”. The tower was an experimental housing block. And has fallen into disrepair since its completion 50 years ago.
Introduction to the Tower
Nakagin Capsule Tower, built-in 1972 by Architect Kisho Kurokawa was the first capsule architecture design. With a unique take on apartments and high-rises in Tokyo, this tower is a prime example of the Metabolism architecture movement of Kisho. It is iconic due to its focus on adaptable, growing, and interchangeable building designs. These ideas first surfaced in 1960 at the “World Design Conference.”
The module created housed traveling businessmen who worked in central Tokyo during the week. It is a prototype for the architecture of sustainability and recyclability. Each module could be plugged into the central core and replaced or exchanged when necessary.
Built in the Ginza area of Tokyo, 140 capsules are stacked and rotated at varying angles around a central core. It stands 14-stories high. The technology developed by Kurokawa allowed each unit to be installed to the concrete core with only 4 high-tension bolts. It kept the units replaceable. Each capsule measures 4 x 2.5 meters. It permits enough room for one person to live comfortably. Connecting the capsule to other capsules allowed manipulating the interior space.
All pieces of the pods are factory manufactured. The pre-assembled interior features a circular window, built-in bed, and bathroom. It also had a TV, radio and alarm clock. Hoisted by a crane, the capsules were inserted into the shipping containers. Then fastened to the concrete core shaft.
Metabolism Movement
Metabolism influences building design to be adaptable, replaceable, and resilient to threats like wars and earthquakes. Metabolists sought to shift thinking about architecture from the mechanical to the biological. They conceive cities as organisms that grow and change. And not as static construction that needs planning and maintaince. They regard human society as continuous development. It draws inspiration from Japan’s Ise Shrine, entirely reconstructed almost every 20 years since the 7th century. Metabolism also embodied the energy of Japan’s rapid-growth era. The Metabolists did more than just design buildings. In their hands, architecture became a field for reimagining Japanese identity after the ravages of the war.
What led to Demolition?
The Nakagin Tower hasn’t been able to withstand the test of time. Although the capsules are replaceable, the building got no maintainance over the years. This led to drainage and damaged water pipes. Architects from around the world did try to work together to preserve the towers, considering all ideas and options. Initially, the capsules were planned to be rotated out and replaced every 25 years. A lack of funding never made it possible, leading to their dilapidation.
As the structure was decaying and riddled with asbestos, many capsules were no longer habitable. So many of the apartments were mostly empty. Some used for storage and office space. And some rented out to architecture enthusiasts on a short-term basis. Until the coronavirus pandemic, it was mainly a tourist attraction. People took photos outside the capsule tower building.
Still, fans and residents of the Nakagin tower had hoped to raise funds to replace the capsules, in line with Kurokawa’s initial concept. They had been in negotiations about buying the building. But the pandemic halted any momentum they had. Finally, plans to disassemble the tower got confirmation last year(2021).
Current Demolition Phase
The interiors of the capsules were emptied in preparation for asbestos removal. Then building’s complete disassembly work started. Firstly the capsules will be removed. Then the demolition of concrete towers that support them will occour. The demolition will most probably last until the end of 2022.
Future of the Capsules
The group that raised funds to replace the tower now hopes to rescue some 40 individual capsules, remove the asbestos, recreate the interiors, and give them new lives at museums worldwide.
A module that is being retained is named the Nakagin Capsule Tower A606 Project. It is restoring and modifying the capsule numbered A606. The building has been documented with measurements, photos, videos, and 3D scans, before 12th April.
The group plans to preserve one of the pods and transform it into a “mobile capsule”, which will honor “Kurokawa’s concept of ‘architecture in motion'” and adaptability.
They compare the process to a “withered dandelion” spreading its seeds. “The capsules will take on a life of their own, scattered across different locations.” It is in keeping with the spirit of Metabolism.
The site’s sale was announced in the spring of 2021 to a real estate firm. The plan was to demolish the property and construct a new building on the land. Work began once the residents had vacated the premises last month.
The tower’s destruction serves as a reminder of the relative caution of contemporary Japan. It is also reflective of the same culture of impermanence that once inspired the Metabolists.
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