Contemporary Nomadic Architecture

CONTEMPORARY

NOMADIC ARCHITECTURE INVESTIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF HUMAN DWELLING IN TEMPORARY SPACES DURING THE 21ST CENTURY

Student Name & Number Van Vite 216062183 Semester Assignment Architectural Research Essay Abstract Nomadism has always been a part of human culture and manifests in Architecture in different ways. This autoethnographic inquiry investigates why it is that Nomadic Architecture in the 21st Century creates challenges for human dwelling. The comparison of Traditional and Contemporary Nomadic Architecture – using the concepts of Nomadology, Phenomenology, and Sustainability – shows that both the nomadic lifestyle and nature of the built environment have evolved. It appears that the urban setting is not designed for the contemporary nomad; There is a disruption of human dwelling, personal identity, and sense of belonging. As designers, we ought to adapt the strategies of Traditional Nomadism into the contemporary lifestyle so that a potentially more accommodating architecture would be achieved.

Final Submission 24th January 2021

Module Co-ordinator Dr. Yashaen Luckan Course Details ARCH304 Theory of Architecture 3B Bachelor of Architectural Studies

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 2

2.

LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................... 2

3.

RESEARCH METHOD ..................................................................................................... 5

4.

FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS ........................................................................................... 7

5.

CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................. 9

6.

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 10

Cover Images Top: Tekna Nomadic Architecture, Morocco https://spatialexperiments.wordpress.com/2016/02/03/nomadic-architecture-mobility-gender-ritual/

Middle: ‘aVOID' Mobile Home, Italy http://www.leonardodichiara.it/avoid-index/

Bottom: Bourj Al Shamali Refugee Camp, Lebanon https://placesjournal.org/article/camp-code/

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1. INTRODUCTION The meaning of a nomadic lifestyle has evolved with the progression of architectural technology. Structures have been designed to be more permanent and the concrete urban landscape continues to develop. Many individuals around the world spend a significant amount of time in places that they do not construct themselves or cannot control. In reality, everybody experiences temporary spaces – which isn’t problematic in itself – but psychosocial challenges are bound to arise when there is long-term displacement of people. It appears that the urban setting is not designed for the contemporary nomad; There is a disruption of human dwelling, personal identity, and sense of belonging.

This research essay is intended to be an autoethnographic inquiry into contemporary nomadic architecture. The aim is to understand the challenges of long-term human dwelling in temporary spaces during the 21st Century, with the objective of investigating how architecture currently creates a negative psychosocial experience for people with a nomadic lifestyle.

Secondary sources were used to collect information pertaining to the research topic and organised into a literature review. From this, the relevant theories are identified to create the conceptual framework and then used for the analysis to formulate a well-informed conclusion.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW Nomadology in Architecture: A ‘nomad’ generally refers to a person with no fixed residence and migrates from place to place, usually seasonally. Nomadic Architecture then refers to a structure or place that is used by nomads for shelter and security. The philosophy and practice of a nomadic lifestyle has always been present in human culture and manifests in architecture in different ways. Historically, there are three categories: pastoral nomads, hunter-gatherer communities, and travelling workers. Although it is not popularised, spatial nomadism continues to exist in the 21st Century and a neo-nomadic lifestyle has emerged, along with temporal nomadism. By adapting the strategies of traditional

nomadic

architecture

–

diagramming,

ephemerality,

movement, and collaboration – into the contemporary lifestyle, a more accommodating urban environment could potentially be achieved.

(Cowan, 2002)

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Dwelling and Sustainability: To address the challenges of human dwelling, the root of the issue must first be identified; generally, the cause of these problems is that human needs are not being satisfied. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs states what people require in order to feel fulfilled. Although this linear representation might not express the complexity of the relationships between these factors, it is useful for analysing how satisfactory an environment may be. As a more integrated approach, the Theory of Human Scale Development can be visualised as a Wheel of Human Needs (Max-Neef and Elizalde Hevia, 1989).

In architecture, the Permaculture Flower of Ethics and Design Principles serves as a guide for sustainable design and construction practices. The seven domains of permaculture action are connected by a spiral which shows the layers of society, starting from a personal, local level, evolving into the collective, global level. (Holmstad, 2010) The ‘Direction Indicator for Sustainable Communities’, also known as DISC, combines the Wheel of Human Needs and the Permaculture flower in an attempt to create more effective sustainability guidelines for architectural design and construction in the 21st Century. (de Oliveira Arend et al., 2013) This modified diagram suggests the possibility of how humans and the built environment can live in harmony. By achieving both societal and ecological sustainability, the challenges of human dwelling can be resolved.

Unprecedented Displacement: Regardless of how much we, as a species, advance in our discoveries and achievements, the nature of humanity and of the environment remain the same.

The variety of human personalities sometimes results in conflicts and many countries are amidst political unrest. There is a mass displacement of people due to these events and often, the influx of asylum seekers can turn supposedly temporary refugee camps into an unplanned housing districts. Consequently, the entire development is spatially and materially disorganised. (Martinez Mansell, 2016) The chaotic and dense nature of an unplanned settlement paints a confusing and dubious image of the city. (Lynch, 1960) The crowded structures lack personal privacy and space for growing families.

Additionally, there is conflict about lot assignments and ownership.

The residents feel uncertain about their futures as there is a complicated sense of belonging and disconnection from a welldefined identity.

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Natural disasters occur annually in different regions of the world, with some countries even experiencing them multiple times in a year. The uncontrollable destruction of houses and other buildings causes a large-scale displacement of populations who would then have to resort to living in makeshift architecture in unfamiliar places. (Oliver-Smith, 2018) This makes it difficult to satisfy the basic human needs such as food, shelter, and security, as it is difficult to obtain sufficient resources under these conditions. (Cohen and Bradley, 2010) Citizenship and Belonging: The components of a city and the needs of its people evolves relatively quickly, and it is difficult for architectural design to respond accordingly. The forces shaping the urban environment are beyond the physical spectrum and the future is increasingly becoming undefined. As a result of the great progressions in technology, the meaning of a ‘city’ is re-evaluated and a new layer of spatial reality is formed. A city be atomised because connectivity is no longer a result of adjacency. (Young, 2014) Virtually, the internet creates an online experience of a city, and physically, the efficiency of contemporary infrastructure allows for quick, easy transportation. For those who travel often, some people find that they spend more time in airports than in their home residence. This gives people a sense of belonging in multiple places as there are now countless opportunities to be connected to the different things with which they identify.

Cyberspace and Neo-Nomadism: Digital nomadism refers to entrepreneurs and freelancers who work online while migrating to different places temporarily. (Schlagwein, 2020) This is seen as a type of neo-nomadism which is still in its early stages as it was only recognised as a mainstream phenomenon around 2015. It originated in the 2000’s as software developers saw the opportunity for remote working arrangements. Over the last few centuries, the establishment of land ownership and political borders have restricted human migration.

However, in the last few decades, the democratisation of technology, business, and travel have begun to redefine these barriers and have enabled people to visually and physically connect more freely. The creation of online communities, conference series, and co-working spaces is dissolving the limitations of spatial boundaries. (Schlagwein, 2018) As resources are becoming more accessible, the balance between recreation and work life is also becoming more prevalent. This empowers people to have fulfilling lives, but it can present uncertainty in identity for some people and a sense of belonging to multiple places.

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3. RESEARCH METHOD Why does 21st Century Nomadic Architecture create challenges for human dwelling?

As the primary research question, this serves to achieve the aim of the essay. There are three concepts observed from the selected literature that can be used to understand how nomadic architecture has changed and to speculate what the implications are. The comparison of traditional and contemporary nomadic architecture can be done by examining Nomadology of the past and the present. Next, to understand how individuals connect with their surroundings, we see how Phenomenology is applied in the different circumstances. The extent of the Sustainability of various structures would then be used to determine what factors are not being fulfilled and result in challenges of dwelling. Finally, these answers would be linked to each other and would identify reasons behind the psychosocial issues associated with 21st Century Nomadic Architecture.

Nomadology, translated from French term ‘nomadologie’ (Deleuze and Guattari, 1980), is the concept of not having a fixed place of residence. Traditionally, people with a nomadic lifestyle would have mobile structures for shelter and were collaborative on construction. Over time, architecture has been designed to be more permanent and individualistic. In the 21st Century, nomads tend to leave a place of residence and rather find existing structures or create new ones in the places to which they have temporarily migrated.

Phenomenology is the concept of how humans experience and identify with their surroundings. Heidegger’s Theory of Dwelling suggests that the integration of human beings, built form, natural elements, and invisible factors, is what creates effective architecture. In the urban context, Lynch’s 5 Elements of the City Image influence how well an individual can construct a mental map of the place and associate memories to certain visual cues.

The Image of the City

Theory of Dwelling

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Sustainability, with regards to architecture, is the concept that a structure fulfils functional requirements whilst being maintained without depleting resources. The design ought to be considerate of economic viability, social equity, and environmental protection.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs and Max-Neef’s Wheel of Human Needs stipulate the factors that influence everyone’s physical and mental well-being; ultimately, contributing to societal sustainability.

The Permaculture Flower of Ethics and Design Principles denotes the different sectors of society that impact ecological and economical sustainability.

To respond to the primary research question effectively, we explore the following secondary questions with the aid of the conceptual framework above. a. What aspects of traditional and contemporary nomadic architecture are different?

The Nomadology of the past and that of the present differ in two ways: mobility and construction. Traditional nomadic structures were designed to be transported with the traveller and, thus, were assembled by the nomads themselves. Contemporary nomadic structures tend to be more sedentary and accommodate different types of users rather than being tailored for individuals. Nomads of the 21st Century are not usually involved in the construction process due to the amount of time, energy, and resources required.

Mobility

Construction

b. How do individuals identify and connect with their residential surroundings?

People interact with their surroundings depending on the Phenomenology of each place. The sensory experience that they have would influence their memories as well as which elements they relate with or not. Traditional nomadism warrants a change of scenery but maintains

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personalisation of residential surroundings. Contemporary nomadism not only brings a change of scenery, but also different architecture. The degree of phenomenological difference has increased with the evolution of the lifestyle.

Sensory Experience

Memories

Personal Routine

c. What challenges of dwelling do people face with a nomadic lifestyle in the 21st Century?

Ideally, architecture is designed to fulfil human needs as well as to nurture the environment. In reality, the Sustainability of each structure varies and depends on the available skills and resources to implement good design. When individuals are subjected to long periods of temporal and physical displacement from familiar surroundings, they are likely to experience discomfort and dissociation. There can be a sense of belonging to multiple places or to no place at all. Identity is no longer defined by spatial boundaries, which can be difficult or confusing when trying to find one’s personal meaning of ‘home’.

Identity

Familiarity

Comfort

4. FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS Traditional Nomadism in Previous Centuries can include the various past cultures, generally nonWestern, that practice a nomadic lifestyle due to the availability of resources and favourable living conditions in different regions at different times.

The Nomadology preceding the 21st Century consists of people who would continuously migrate together as a tribe and arrange their tents in small groups. The transportation and construction of the tents is both a ritualistic and collaborative process. There is a sense of intimacy in the small groups whilst still belonging to the greater community. The Phenomenology of their architecture creates a constant immersion in natural elements, which stimulates physiological comfort. Individuals are able to be conscious of their position and their surroundings. For Sustainability, the materials are sourced from local flora and fauna, and 7

handcrafted. Sometimes, elements of the tent structure even have a dual purpose so that it can be used during the travel process. (Shultman, 2016) Traditional Nomadism in the 21st Century can include caravan or mobile home owners who have chosen to live a minimal lifestyle and want to travel without leaving their place of residence behind. The Nomadology differs from the past in the sense that the user usually travels alone and migrates at short distances at a time. The structure is mobile but limited in capacity. The Phenomenology of the architecture varies in its relationship with the outdoors.

The interior presents the experience of a blank canvas that can transform according to what is needed by its inhabitant. The more compartments are opened up, the more it becomes connected with nature. The Sustainability depends on how the materials are sourced from local companies and what technology is installed. A well-designed structure can be achieved by consulting and collaborating with local professionals. The financial cost can be quite high at first, but is a good long-term investment as the structure is able to be self-sufficient. (Di Chiara, 2018) Contemporary Nomadism from Positive Circumstances can include travelling business workers as a result of the transportation industry, and digital nomads as a result of excellent technological infrastructure. The Nomadology differs from traditional nomadism as its users not only travel alone or in small groups, but also are not involved with the construction of their shelter. The structures in the urban environment are not designed to be mobile, but rather aim to accommodate travellers for short-term communal residence. The Phenomenology of the spaces are designed to cater for different types of people and, as a result, they foster a sense of anonymity. The material finishes feel impersonal and have little connection with nature. The Sustainability of the architecture is considered to be of structural importance since the building is intended to be permanent and so it comprises of rigid materials. There is sufficient electricity and plumbing, as well as communal facilities, and therefore, is economically and socially sustainable. (Scaletti, 2016) 1.2 million workers in Maritime industry

65.5 million workers in Airlines in 2018

4.8 million identify as Digital Nomads

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Contemporary Nomadism from Negative Circumstances can include refugees as a result of political unrest, homeless people as a result of economic hardship, and populations displaced by natural disasters. The Nomadology of the architecture is similar to traditional architecture as it is mobile and relatively easy to disassemble and reconstruct; however, it differs in the sense that it is not intended to be used as a permanent structure of residence. Each structure can accommodate a few people and individuals can easily choose to migrate as a group. Although it is located outdoors, the Phenomenology of the structure has little real connection with natural elements. An ‘alternative society’ is formed, contrasting the organised urban skyline. The construction is generally low maintenance, but its Sustainability has limited potential in the services it can offer. There is neither plumbing nor electricity; It merely provides a covered space to sleep and is not ideal for residential use over an extended period. (Allweil, 2018) 24.9 million displaced by natural disasters in 2019 70.8 million refugees in 2019 150 million are homeless

5. CONCLUSION The meaning of a nomadic lifestyle has evolved over the last few decades, therefore, reimagining the typology of nomadic architecture. Many individuals around the world experience long-term temporal and physical displacement in different ways. This is a consequence of a myriad of events both from positive developments and negative circumstances. In this research essay, we have explored why it is that contemporary nomadic architecture creates challenges for human dwelling.

The Nomadology of the 21st Century has less mobile structures than that of previous centuries, and users of the space are rarely involved in the construction process. Urban nomads then have little to no control over the spaces in which they spend most of their time. The continuous experience of changes in Phenomenology from regularly migrating to unfamiliar places can create discomfort as individuals dissociate from impersonalised elements. There may be a disconnected sense of belonging and confusion in identity. The rigid urban landscape does not cater for the transitionary nomadic lifestyle. By implementing the principles of Sustainability, a more inclusive architecture can be constructed.

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6. REFERENCES Allweil, Y. (2018) Experimental Architecture for Homeless Self-Housing. Journal of Architectural Education, [online] Available at: https://www.academia.edu/36997034/ Experimental_Architecture_for_Homeless_Self_Housing Cohen, R. and Bradley, M. (2010) Disasters and Displacement: Gaps in Protection. Journal of International Humanitarian Legal Studies, vol.1, no.1, pp.95-142 [online] Available at: https://doi.org/10.1163/187815210X12766020139884 Conaway, L. and Knudson, P. (2017) Digital Nomad Infographic Case Study. The Digital Nomad Survival Guide, [online] Available at: https://medium.com/digital-nomad-survivalguide/digital-nomad-infographic-case-study-d30a3a646dac Cowan, G. (2002) Nomadology in Architecture: Ephemerality, Movement and Collaboration.

Masters Dissertation, Australia: University of Adelaide Craven, D. and Morelli, N. (2011) Logical Spaces for Urban Nomads. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 268275953_LOGICAL_SPACES_FOR_URBAN_NOMADS De Oliveira Arend, C., Gallagher, J., Orell, P. (2013) Reinventing the Wheel to Guide Ecovillages towards Sustainability. Masters Degree Thesis, Deleuze, G. and Guattari, F. (1980) Mille Plateaux: Capitalisme et Schizophrenie. France: Les Éditions de Minuit Di Chiara, L. (2018) Tiny House http://www.leonardodichiara.it/avoid-index/

“aVOID”

[online]

Available

at:

Holmstad, O. (2010) The Holistic Flower. Permaculture News, [online] Available at: https://www.permaculturenews.org/2010/08/23/the-holistic-flower/ Lynch, K. (1960) The Image of the City. Cambridge: MIT Press Martinez Mansell, C. (2016) Camp Code: How to Navigate a Refugee Settlement. Places Journal, [online] Available at: https://placesjournal.org/article/camp-code/ Maslow, A. (1954) Motivation and Personality. New York: Harper & Brothers Max-Neef, M. and Elizalde Hevia, A. (1989) Human Scale Development. Development Dialogue Journal, vol.1, no.1, pp.7-80 [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/285755287_Human_scale_development_An_option_for_the_future Oliver-Smith, A. (2010) Disasters and Large-Scale Population Dislocations: International and National Responses. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Natural Hazard Science, [online] Availablet at: https://doi.rog/10.1093/acrefore/9780199389407.013.224 Rossitto, C., de Carvalho, A., Ciolfi, L., Lampinen, A., and Gray, B. (2017) Nomadic Cultures Beyond Work Practices. ECSCW 2017 Conference Paper, [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332471762_Nomadic_Cultures_Beyond_Work_Pra ctices

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Scaletti, L. (2016) ZIP City: Houseless Not Homeless. The Future Architecture Platform, [online] Available at: Schlagwein, D. (2018) The History of Digital Nomadism. International Workshop on the Changing Nature of Work (CNoW) Conference Paper, [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329182172_The_History_of_Digital_Nomadism Schlagwein, D. and Jarrahi, M. (2020) The Mobilities of Digital Work: The Case of Digital Nomadism. European Conference on Information Systems 2020 Research-in-Progress Papers, [online] Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2020_rip/89 Shultman, J. (2016) Nomadic Architecture – Mobility, Gender, Ritual. Spatial Experiments, [online] Available at: https://spatialexperiments.wordpress.com/2016/02/03/nomadicarchitecture-mobility-gender-ritual/ Smith, C. (2019) The Architecture of the Urban Nomad: Designed Infrastructure for a Mobile World. Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism Blog, [online] Available at: Tancott, G. (2014) Building with Three Pillars of Sustainability. Infrastructure News, [online] Available at: https://infrastructurenews.co.za/2014/10/20/building-with-three-pillars-ofsustainability/#:~:text=The%20building%20was%20designed%20by,social%20sustainability Weder, A. (2015) Generator London. Architectural Record, [online] Available at: https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/5987-generator Young, L. (2014) ‘What Am I A Citizen Of?’ Interviewed by Shumi Bose for Tank Magazine, vol.8, no.2 [online] Available at: https://futurearchitecturelibrary.org/archifuturesarticles/volum-2-the-studio/what-am-i-a-citizen-of/

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