Agri-Hub

This project reimagines the concept of metabolism within architecture, serving as an expansion and restoration to the post-war Metabolist movement in Tokyo, particularly the Nagakin Capsule Tower. Rather than merely focusing on the replacement of building envelopes, this new interpretation of metabolism views it as a dynamic, reciprocal system that nourishes and regenerates society. At the core of this design is a hybrid agriculture hub that seamlessly integrates research and food production, feeding back into the surrounding urban fabric.

The project consists of three key programs: agri-food research, agricultural production, and farm-to-table retail, each represented by distinct architectural forms that interconnect to create a closed-loop system. This system bridges the gap between agricultural research and food production, positioning the building as a food hub for the surrounding city. Each function is embodied in unique forms and materials, reflecting their roles within the system. Research spaces are organized in functional, column-beam structured volumes that encourage collaboration and experimentation. The production areas are flexible, transparent, and expansive, optimized for efficient food growth. Finally, the retail section is designed to be dynamic and inviting, engaging with the urban environment.

In terms of materiality and structure, the building incorporates ETFE for the façade, a lightweight, flexible material that allows for transparency while also enabling future expansion. This adaptability ensures the building can evolve alongside the city’s changing needs, embodying metabolism as an iterative and regenerative process. The angled volumes, suspended from an I-beam skeleton, integrate with the highway and retail zone, fostering a dynamic interaction with the surrounding urban context. This flexible structure allows the building to grow and transform, much like a living organism that continually nourishes and regenerates its environment. Ultimately, this renovation of the Nagakin Capsule Tower reimagines the building as a dynamic, adaptable system that not only responds to but also contributes to the ever-evolving city.