Nakagin Tower is a prime example of Japanese Metabolism movement. The capsules were designed to be detachable, which allowed to switch them individually. However, during its lifetime none of the capsules were changed. The building was designed for Tokyo out-of-city employees as a secondary apartment to live in during work week. Regardless of the unique idea, the concept of the building never gained wide popularity. After standing mostly abandoned, it was demolished in 2022
The Nakagin Capsule Tower's exterior capsules were initially modeled and arranged in 3ds Max. Texturing presented a unique challenge due to weathering, rust, and seams on each capsule. To address this, the UVW modifier was used on the capsule geometry, allowing the 2D layout to be exported as a JPEG for seam drawing in Photoshop. This seam map was then used as a bump map in 3D Substance Painter. Watermarks were added with alpha brushes, and varying rust patterns were hand-painted, resulting in seven texture variations. Each variation was exported and used to create Corona Physical Materials in 3ds Max. HDR lighting was enhanced with Lightmix for different shots to achieve the desired lighting conditions. Final renders were post-processed for color and exposure adjustments, and another image was composited in Photoshop, where additional cables and adjustments were made.
For interior modeling capsule shell was exported from the overall model. Using imported plan and section drawings as references, the cabinet unit, fridge, sound control panel, and HVAC output were modeled, ensuring realistic usage by varying cabinet cover positions. The bed, walls, and doors followed, while bed covers and pillows were shaped with the cloth modifier. After applying textures and rendering, the window view was added through post-processing in Photoshop.