Draft 2

The integration of Metabolism Movement principles, in urban planning, influenced the ability to
effectively address the dynamic environmental challenges of the Anthropocene

Harvard referencing- https://www.mybib.com/tools/chicago-citation-generator

750 words

II. The Metabolism Movement and Its Principles

1- Provide an overview of the Metabolism Movement, its key principles, and its historical
context.
2- Explain the principles you will be examining in the context of the Capsule Tower case study,
such as sustainability, modularity, and adaptability.

History

- 1Lin, Zhongjie. 2023. Kenzo Tange and the Metabolist Movement: Urban Utopias of Modern
Japan. Google Books. Taylor & Francis.
https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Kenzo_Tange_and_the_Metabolist_Movement/
W53REAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv.

(325)1 In the late 1950s and 1960s, Japanese society served as a fertile ground for the cultivation of
utopian urban plans, notably within the avant-garde movement known as metabolism. Launched in
the 1960s, this movement emerged when a cohort of young architects and designers presented their
manifesto, titled "Metabolism: The Proposals for New Urbanism," at the World Design Conference in
Tokyo. The manifesto advocated for a radical reconfiguration of the modern city, a transformative
process believed by the Metabolists to be imperative for a society entering the post-industrial age.
Throughout the 1960s, these visionaries diligently developed their urban design concepts, making
earnest attempts to realize them in the context of Japan's burgeoning cities. Central to the
Metabolists' conceptualization was the notion of envisioning the sea and the sky as prospective sites
for human habitats. Their visionary perspectives suggested an organic evolution and transformation
of the city, akin to the metamorphosis of a living organism. This epoch proved propitious for such
futuristic undertakings and technological optimism, as the 1950s and 1960s marked an era of
groundbreaking technological discoveries coupled with unparalleled economic growth in Japanese
history, commonly referred to as the "Japanese miracle. "The Metabolists' utopian endeavours were
responsive to the dynamic urbanization and metamorphosis of Japanese cities during this period.
Beyond the superficial aspects of urban development, their plans resonated with the broader
political and cultural transitions in the aftermath of the Second World War. At the core of
metabolism's urban utopias lay a distinctive conception of the "city as a process." Inspired by the
rapid expansion and unpredictable transformations characteristic of contemporary cities, the
Metabolists envisioned the city not as a static destination but as a living organism comprised of
elements with varying metabolic cycles—some enduring, while others ephemeral. Their approach
aimed at creating patterns that could be consistently followed from the present into the distant
future
(325)Key principles

(100)Focual principles of this essay in the context of the capsule tower(sustainability, modularity, and
adaptability)

1000 words

III. The Capsule Tower: A Case Study

(333)Introduce the Capsule Tower as a case study, including its history, design, and significance in
Metabolist architecture.

Capsule tower history

- 1 Her, Katie, and Amanda Horton. 2020. “Nakagin Capsule Tower: In Pieces.”
https://libjournals.unca.edu/ncur/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/3133-Her-Katie-FINAL.pdf.
- “Where Are the 23 Modules Saved from the Demolished Nakagin Capsule Tower Now?”
2023. ArchDaily. September 7, 2023. https://www.archdaily.com/1006528/where-are-the-
23-modules-saved-from-the-demolished-nakagin-capsule-tower-now#:~:text=Almost
%2050%20years%20after%20its.

1 Constructed in 1972 under the architectural prowess of Kisho Kurokawa, the Nakagin Capsule
Tower stood as a noteworthy embodiment of the Metabolist Movement for 2 50 years before its
demolition on October 2022. Among the scant structures that capture the essence of the Metabolist
ethos, Kurokawa's Nakagin Capsule Tower stands out as a singular exemplar. Kurokawa's innovative
showcase of capsule architecture, notably presented at the 1970 World Exposition in Osaka,
garnered widespread acclaim. The Takara Beautillion, a manifestation of his architectural fantasy, left
an indelible mark on observers. Particularly impressed was Torizo Watanabe, then president of
Nakagin Corporation, who, deeply moved by Kurokawa's vision, extended a commission for the
construction of a capsule building intended for permanent use. The Nakagin Capsule Tower,
conceived by Kurokawa, was purposefully designed with a forward-looking perspective, reflecting a
commitment to embracing the future. This iconic structure not only resonates with the ideals of the
Metabolist Movement but also stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Kurokawa's
architectural ingenuity.

Capsule tower design

Capsule tower significance in metabolism

(333)Analyse how the principles of the Metabolism Movement are evident in the design and
construction of the Capsule Tower.
(333)Discuss the challenges and successes in implementing these principles in this specific project.

750

IV. Environmental Changes of the Anthropocene (Approximately 15% of the Word Count)

•Describe the dynamic environmental changes associated with the Anthropocene and why they are
relevant to urban planning and architecture.

•Explain the environmental challenges that urban planning and architecture need to address in the
Anthropocene.

Describe the dynamic environmental changes associated with the Anthropocene

Land Use Change: The expansion of agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development has
led to extensive land use changes. This includes deforestation, conversion of natural habitats into
croplands or urban areas, and alterations to natural landscapes.

why are they relevant to urban planning and architecture.

Adaptive Reuse and Brownfield Redevelopment: To minimize land use change and its associated
environmental impacts, urban planners and architects can focus on adaptive reuse of existing
structures and redevelopment of brownfield sites. This promotes sustainable urban development
while preserving natural habitats.

Climate-Responsive Design: With the changing climate, urban planners and architects must adopt
climate-responsive design strategies. This includes designing buildings that can cope with extreme
temperatures, incorporating green infrastructure to mitigate heat islands in urban areas, and
planning for increased frequency of extreme weather events.

Water Management: As water scarcity and pollution become critical issues,

Explain the environmental challenges that urban planning and architecture need to address in the
Anthropocene.