The Nakagin Capsule Tower was the first capsule architecture design with the capsule as a room inserted into a mega-structure. This realized the ideas of metabolism, exchangeability, and recycleablity as a prototype of sustainable architecture. Located in the Ginza area of Tokyo, the Nagakin Capsule Tower, was originally designed as a Capsule Hotel to provide economical housing for businessmen working late in central Tokyo during the week. Japanese men often work ridiculous hours and often find it not worth their time to travel home after working long hours. A commute might be 2 hours or more.
The 14-story high Tower has 140 capsules stacked at angles around a central core. Kurokawa developed the technology to install the capsule units into the concrete core with only 4 high-tension bolts, as well as making the units detachable and replaceable. The one-man-room capsule, a modified (4 x 2.5 meter) shipping container, has a circular window, a built-in bed and bathroom unit, and is complete with TV, radio and alarm clock. The capsule interior was pre-assembled in a factory then hoisted by crane and fastened to the concrete core shaft.
Residents in Japan’s famous experiment in living and working in tiny pods are now planning its demolition. Kurokawa's design theory was to replace the capsules when needed but the building has not been maintained in 33 years which has caused drainage and water pipes to be damaged.
The bathroom was small.
Note the reel-to-reel tape recorder.