Nakagin Capsule Tower
Kisho Kurokawa · Tokyo, Japan · 1972
Completed in 1972, Kisho Kurokawa's Nakagin Capsule Tower became one of the defining works of Japanese Metabolism. Two concrete service cores supported 140 prefabricated capsules intended to be replaceable over time, although the planned cycle of replacement was never carried out. The tower was demolished in 2022 after decades of preservation efforts. Twenty-three capsules were salvaged and restored under the supervision of Kisho Kurokawa Architects and Associates for reuse in museums, commercial spaces, lodging and galleries.