In this week's comments update, readers are debating the disassembly of Tokyo's Nakagin Capsule Tower.
The Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo, a 20th-century metabolist landmark by architect Kisho Kurokawa, is set to be disassembled and the capsules either donated to museums or turned into rental units.
Built over the course of just 30 days in 1972, the housing block is considered a rare example of Japanese metabolism.
"A really wonderful and important building"
Readers are divided. "This is very, very sad," said Andrew.
Catcassidy agreed: "This is a really wonderful and important building. While it may have outlived its function and is no longer viable as residences, tearing it down is a tragedy. This is short-sightedness. Once it's gone, you can't get it back." "Interesting story, yet the architectural vision is short-sighted, utilitarian, and quite depressing," replied Valeria Lie Alonso. "No surprise that the architects were influenced by Marxism. No life, no beauty, no imagination. A dystopia envisioned for the rational worst-case scenario rather than aspiring for better ways of life."
"It will be dismantled but not forgotten," concluded Jacopo. "Please don't be too sad. Think of it as a transformation. Few buildings go from architecture to art and live forever in spirit rather than in concrete."
Is tearing the building down a tragedy" Join the discussion ?
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