Nakagin Capsule Tower

Published May 10, 2021 · 2 min read

The Nakagin Capsule Tower has always fascinated me, both as an architectural icon and as a symbol of a bold vision for urban living. My motivation to create a 3D model and interactive presentation of this building stemmed from a desire to explore and share its unique story: a story that blends innovation, modularity, and the fleeting nature of architectural dreams.

Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa and completed in 1972, the Nakagin Capsule Tower stands in Tokyo as one of the few built examples of the Metabolism movement. This movement imagined cities as living, evolving organisms, with buildings that could adapt and change over time. The tower’s design consists of individual prefabricated capsules, each intended to be replaceable and customizable. This modular approach was revolutionary, offering a glimpse into a future where architecture could respond flexibly to the needs of its inhabitants.

What makes the Nakagin Capsule Tower special is not just its striking appearance—stacked cubes with round windows—but its underlying philosophy. It challenged conventional ideas about permanence and ownership, proposing a dynamic urban lifestyle. Sadly, the building’s promise was never fully realized; capsules were never replaced, and over the years, the tower fell into disrepair.

My project allowed me to delve into the technical and aesthetic aspects of the tower. Building the 3D model was a way to preserve its legacy and invite others to experience it virtually. Through this work, I hope to highlight the importance of experimental architecture and the need to protect visionary structures like Nakagin Capsule Tower, which remind us that cities can be places of creativity and change.

Since a lot of time has passed, I have taken down the live demo. But my goal is to eventually revive it, along with a more detailed write-up of the project and its significance. For now, I hope this brief overview conveys my passion for the Nakagin Capsule Tower and the reasons behind my fascination with this architectural marvel.