FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Unfolding A Nakagin Story" Celebrates Metabolism Architecture and Urban Storytelling Through Interactive Newspaper Poster

Yang Tian's "Unfolding A Nakagin Story" has been awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication category for 2025. Created in Boston, MA, over a three-month period, this innovative newspaper poster reimagines the Nakagin Capsule Tower's legacy and the Metabolism movement's vision of flexible, evolving urban living. The project uses the daily-changing nature of newspapers as a metaphor for architectural adaptability, inviting viewers to physically unfold the poster and discover new visual narratives with each layer.

Drawing inspiration from Kisho Kurokawa's concept of modern housing as dynamic, cellular units, the design employs an oblique neutral grid where capsule patterns, window colors, and orientations shift with every unfolding. Seven capsules are highlighted to reveal intimate interior activities, emphasizing the individuality within collective urban life. This approach not only documents the ephemeral nature of Metabolism architecture but also encourages viewers to engage with the evolving stories of city dwellers, blending personal and communal experiences.

The poster's graphics were crafted using Photoshop and Illustrator, while the architectural elements were modeled in Rhino with a Grasshopper plugin to generate varied patterns and orientations. Measuring 8" x 12" on the cover and expanding to 16" x 24" when fully unfolded, the piece offers a tactile, interactive journey through the Nakagin Capsule Tower's unique heritage. By merging design research, technical innovation, and storytelling, "Unfolding A Nakagin Story" stands out as a compelling tribute to Japan's post-war architectural revolution and its ongoing influence on urbanism and housing.

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