What is the Nakagin Capsule Tower used for?

The building, however, fell into disrepair. Around thirty of the 140 capsules was still in use as apartments by October 2012, while others were used for storage or office space, or simply abandoned and allowed to deteriorate….Nakagin Capsule Tower.

Nakagin Capsule Tower Building
Design and construction
Architect Kisho Kurokawa

How many capsules are the in Nakagin Capsule Tower?

140 steel
Nakagin Capsule Tower is composed of two adjoining towers made in reinforced concrete, the smallest being 11 floors and the highest 13. A total of 140 steel capsules are cantilevered, attached to the main structure by only 4 anchors, and each unit has a 10m² superficies.

What is the main problem that the Nakagin Capsule Tower is experiencing as of today?

According to ArchDaily, an architecture news organisation, the tower has not been maintained in over 33 years, leading to tenants facing a lot of problems, such as damaged water pipes.

What are the main materials that was used in the Nakagin tower?

Formed of two interconnected towers made of concrete, the Nakagin Capsule Tower was built of 140 prefabricated steel modules bolted onto the main shafts.

Why did Nakagin Capsule Tower get demolished?

The concept for the building involved the tower’s individual capsules being repaired or replaced every 25 years, however, a lack of funding meant the capsules were never repaired and began to deteriorate.

Why was Nakagin tower demolished?

This week on Dezeen, demolition began on the Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo – a 20th-century metabolist landmark designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. The housing block is being torn down due to the deterioration of its concrete and steel structure.

Can I buy a Nakagin capsule?

Prices down, yields up in Nakagin Capsule Tower In 2008, capsules were priced as high as 6 million Yen each. Now they can be bought for between 2 and 3 million Yen (21,000 ~ 32,000 USD) each.