Nakagin Capsule Tower [1972]

A rare example of realised Japanese Metabolism – a movement that sought to combine ideas on architectural density with those on growth and expansion – Kisho Kurokawa’s Nakagin Capsule Tower cantilevers residential capsules off concrete cores. With a reported one-month build time, Kurokawa’s 10m2 capsules were constructed and fitted out for single person use with appliances, utilities and joinery off-site before being lifted and independently connected to the central cores to permit ease of removal for renovation or replacement. This process, however, ultimately proved too cost-inefficient and led to the building falling into a state of disrepair.