Until July 12, 2026, the Museum of Modern Art in New York presents “The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower”, an exhibition that tells the story of Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa's radically new vision for urban living. Built in 1972 in Tokyo’s Ginza district, the Nakagin Capsule Tower is an iconic example of Japanese Metabolism, an architectural movement emphasizing modularity and adaptability. The tower consists of two concrete cores with 140 prefabricated, detachable capsules attached. Each capsule, measuring roughly 2.5m x 4m x 2.5m, functions as a compact living or office space with built-in furniture and appliances, reflecting the era’s vision of futuristic, flexible urban living. The design allowed capsules to be replaced or reconfigured, embodying metabolic ideas of organic growth and renewal. Despite its innovative concept, the tower faced maintenance issues, including water leaks and asbestos concerns, leading to partial abandonment. By 2022, it was slated for demolition, though preservation efforts aimed to save some capsules for museums. The Nakagin Capsule Tower remains a symbol of experimental architecture and Japan’s post-war optimism.
The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower / Museum of Modern Art, New York. August 28, 2025.
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