Tatzu Nishi
“Capsule Hotel 21”
Grand Projects—How Far Will You Go?
21_21 Design Sight,
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GRAND PROJECTS: HOW FAR WILL YOU GO?
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
Tokyo, Japan [link]
Through October 1st, 2017
Constructing a capsule hotel in Ando’s elegant architecture, Nishi’s project transforms the public space into a semi-private space, raising questions about rising costs of real estate and the growing divide between middle and upper classes in Tokyo. His use of rudimentary, inexpensive materials and decision to leave the foam insulation seams visible, further contrasts the sleek, minimal gallery located in one of Tokyo’s poshest neighborhoods. Unlike many container hotel rooms that resemble refrigerated morgue drawers, Nishi’s pods are surrounded by glass and stunning views of the park with rates free of charge, if only for a short nap.
~ Colette Copeland
images courtesy of Ryder Richards and the author