Design & Innovation 202: Capsule Inn Akihabara
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Capsule Inn in Tokyo is pretty much one of the most spaciest things or ideas I have ever seen. But I don't mean space like matter, but futuristic and universe-considerate. Basically, it is a 169 "room" inn except the rooms are not what you think, they are infact, capsules hence the name of the place. For about 4000 Yen ($33) you get your own capsule with adjsutable lighting, personal cable television, radio+clock and it can all be controlled while you are laying down. Imagine a morgue, but not the ones for dead people. Everyone shares several public bathrooms. And the capsules are stacked. It's pretty much amazing! Also the way the picture is illustrate above makes it look like from an 70s future. 
Coincidentally I saw this picture in the LBN news alert (credit Getty Images). A Japanese man reading the news from his capsule. Note the handle bars and steps to get down. When I first saw this picture, I thought it was a mini guy in a pet shop doggy cage. The women and men are separate and the women can book group capsules. I am uncertain of the Japanese male/female ratio concerned with the workplace, I presume it is mainly men but it would be interesting to research. There are 140 rooms for males and 24 for women. This completely encapsulates Japanese culture and mindset (no pun). It's energy efficient, it's small, it's quick, innovative, and just jawesome. Unfortunately, with where America is going, I think most of us won't be checking into that place. I think a new goal of mine is to get a room there one day! 3 Comments:
im gonna stay in the one next to you, and when you get up to go to the water closet, i am going to fart in it, teheehehehe
commented by 
your friend and mine, 5:02 PM
your friend and mine, 5:02 PM
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Nice! They had this in America's Next Top Model two or three season's ago.
Congrats on getting Doug Jones! I was just reading about what Guillermo Del Toro was saying about him, on the Pan' Labyrinth FAQ on imdb on Saturday morning. I'mr eally excited for you and you must keep me posted! I live vicariously through you....
Goodluck on finding a full time job too! I really can't picture you sitting in a cubicle 8am-5pm
Congrats on getting Doug Jones! I was just reading about what Guillermo Del Toro was saying about him, on the Pan' Labyrinth FAQ on imdb on Saturday morning. I'mr eally excited for you and you must keep me posted! I live vicariously through you....
Goodluck on finding a full time job too! I really can't picture you sitting in a cubicle 8am-5pm
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