Architecture

#TBT Kishu Kurokawa, Architect

John M Poltrack

15 Dec 2022 — 1 min read

CBS Sunday Morning aired a piece about the disassembly of the Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo, Japan. I had never seen the building but I was familiar with the work of the architect.

The Nakagin Capsule Tower was designed by architect Kishu Kurokawa. Watching the Sunday show I recognized several of his creations from the 1970 Exposition in Osaka Japan. I attended the Expo when I was in the Navy in September 1970. There were plenty of examples of architecture which looked almost like something in a science fiction movie.

https://flic.kr/p/2aCjkXh Aerial view of Expo 70 - September 1970, Osaka Japan

I was able to get some aerial photos from a Gondola ride over the fair.

https://flic.kr/p/2aCjkjU Gondola - September 1970, Osaka, Japanhttps://flic.kr/p/Q6Nueh Gondola shot - September 1970, Osaka, Japan

Inflatable Architecture — Unusual inflatable architecture at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan

Toshiba IHI Pavilion

My favorite building at Expo 70 was the Toshiba OHO Building. It looked a flying saucer. It was one that designed by Kishu Kurokawa.

https://flic.kr/p/Q6NvhE Toshiba IHI Pavilion - September 1970, Osaka, Japanhttps://flic.kr/p/Q6Nws5 Toshiba IHI Pavilion - September 1970, Osaka, Japan

Could this be another of his designs?

At the time I was unaware of who designed these buildings. I was just interested in taking photos. However after learning of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, I would venture a guess that this building at Expo 70 was also one of Kishu Kurokawa's designs. If you know, please leave a comment.

https://flic.kr/p/2b8SXpA Pavilion at Expo 70 - September 1970, Osaka, Japan