10/27/2006

Futuristic Buildings [From the Past].

Perhaps more than any place in the world, Tokyo creatively exhibits ways to maximize space. Tokyo's Nakagin Capsule Apartment Building by Kisho Kurokawa (1971) was the world's first building to take on capsule living. Each apartment measures approximately three meters by five meters square, meaning that the bed takes up most of the space. Additionaly, each of these detachable capsules can be attached to a concrete core by four high-tension bolts. The capsules are pre-assembled offsite and come with necessary appliances already built-in.

Though extreme to outsiders, this mode of living is more realistic in Tokyo where shopping streets, restaurants, and public places are considered an extension of your living space. Visitors to Tokyo can experience this kind of living by staying at a capsule hotel.

Below is the Shizuoka Press & Broadcasting Building by Kenzo Tange (1967) near Ginza.

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2 comments:

Web-Bon said...

hi, excellent site!!

tavox

Anonymous said...

hey. it would be amazing to actually see this place. nice pics. i used the capsule for my original concept in the richmond studio. ahhhh, takes me back :)
andrea