A massive architectural framework designed to contain entire communities or urban functions within a single structural system. These visionary projects propose integrating multiple building types, transportation, and infrastructure into one enormous construction.
Coined by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki in 1964, combining 'mega-' (large) with 'structure.' The concept emerged during the 1960s fascination with large-scale technological solutions to urban problems.
The Metabolist movement in Japan dreamed of megastructures like floating cities and plug-in capsule towers that could grow and adapt like living organisms. While most remained on paper, projects like Habitat 67 in Montreal show how megastructures can create new ways of living by stacking and interlocking individual units into larger urban organisms.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.