Gluon, a Japanese digital consultancy, is relying on 3D data to create an augmented reality building replica of the Nakagin Capsule Tower. The structure was a striking mixed-use residential and office tower, which was designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa and completed in the early 1970s. The Nakagin Capsule Tower was considered a rare example of Japanese Metabolism—a post-war Japanese architectural movement that embraced the intersection of architectural megastructures and organic biological growth.
The demolition of the spectacular Nakagin Capsule Tower was initiated in 2022 and Gluon is attempting to preserve the uniqueness of this iconic structure by creating an augmented reality building replica of it. The digital consultancy is relying on 20,000 photographs to deliver "create an extremely accurate virtual model of the metabolist residential block ."
Augmented Reality Buildings
Gluon is Working on This Project to Preserve the Nakagin Capsule Tower
Trend Themes
1. Augmented Reality Replicas - The use of 3D data and augmented reality technology to create accurate replicas of iconic and historic buildings presents opportunities for preserving architectural heritage and creating immersive tourism experiences.
2. Architectural Preservation Through Technology - The development of digital tools and technologies allows for the preservation of important architectural structures that may be at risk of demolition or decay, providing new ways to protect cultural heritage sites.
3. Mixed-use Architecture - The Nakagin Capsule Tower is a unique example of mixed-use high-rise architecture, and its preservation in digital form presents opportunities to learn from and further develop this innovative approach to urban design.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The use of augmented reality technology and 3D data creates new opportunities for architects to visualize and experiment with design concepts in a virtual environment.
2. Tourism - The use of augmented reality replicas of iconic buildings presents opportunities for immersive and educational tourism experiences, expanding the ways in which travelers can engage with historic and cultural sites.
3. Digital Consultancy - The use of digital tools and technologies for architectural preservation and replication presents new opportunities for digital consultancies to provide innovative solutions for cultural heritage sites and architectural projects.