Nakagin Capsule Tower

The is a mixed-use residential and office tower designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa and located in Shimbashi, Tokyo, Japan. Completed in 1972, it has thirteen floors which house prefabricated modules (or "capsules") which are each self-contained units. Each capsule measures 2.3m x 3.8m x 2.1m and functions as a small living or office space. Capsules can be connected and combined to create larger spaces. Each capsule is connected to one of the two main shafts by only four high-tension bolts and are designed to be replaceable. However, no units have been replaced since the original construction.

The building was the world's first example of capsule architecture built for actual use. The building is still in use as of 2007, but has fallen into disrepair.

Construction took place in two separate places: on-site and off-site. On-site construction included the two towers and their energy-supply systems and equipment, while the capsule parts were fabricated and the capsules assembled at a factory.

The capsules were prefabricated and fitted out with utilities and interior fittings before being shipped to the building site, where they were attached to the concrete towers. Each capsule is attached independently and cantilevered from the shaft so that any capsule may be easily removed without affecting the others. The capsules are all-welded lightweight steel-truss boxes clad in galvanized, rib-reinforced steel panels. After processing, the panels were coated with rust-preventative paint, and finished with a coat of Kenitex glossy spray.

The cores are rigid-frame, made of a steel frame and reinforced concrete. From the basement to the second floor ordinary concrete was used, but above these levels lightweight concrete was used. Shuttering consists of large panels the height of a single storey of the tower. In order to make early use of the staircase, precast concrete was used in the floor plates and the elevator shafts. By using a policy whereby steel-frame work was done for two days and precast concrete work on the following two days, the designers were able to prepare a completely operational staircase by the time the framework was finished. Construction of the elevators on-site was shortened by incorporating the 3D frames, the rails and anchor indicator boxes in the precast concrete elements and by employing prefabricated cages.

In April 2007 the website "The Architectural Record" reported that the towers were to be demolished due to fears surrounding the use of asbestos in the buildings construction as well as concerns that it was not an earthquake proof building.

de:Nakagin Capsule Tower ja:中銀カプセルタワービル sk:Nakagin Capsule Tower sv:Nakagin Capsule Tower

Categories: Buildings | Buildings in Japan | Buildings in Tokyo, Japan