1970: Metabolism and Brutalism in architecture

The Nakagin Capsule Tower is a mixed-use residential and office tower designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa and located in Shimbashi, Tokyo, Japan. Completed in 1972, the building is a rare built example of Japanese Metabolism, a movement that became emblematic of Japan's postwar cultural resurgence. The building was the world's first example of capsule architecture built for actual use. The building is still in use as of 2010, but has fallen into disrepair.[1] As of October 2012, around thirty of the 140 capsules remained in use as apartments, while others were used for storage or office space, or simply left abandoned and in disrepair. [more...]