Nomadism as a vehicle for change

Abstract

Architects are charged with defining space, but what about non-space? For a nomad, there is no fixed site, no fixed demographic, and no fixed neighbors. Instead, they are concerned with movement, individuality, and freedom to change. The concept of moving structures for mobile people, who do not abide by the societal framework that most people in the US are familiar with, demands a different understanding than how we usually practice architecture. It claims that the design of non-space is a crucial piece of the architect’s scope. This thesis investigates how impermanent thinking affects different elements of design. From how we think about neighbors, to site, to structures, to objects, and the individual. It attempts to support thoughts and research through different scales of design, and in discussion with actual nomads. The only constant in life is change. Thus, we are also made to change. Sometimes we want to, and sometimes we must. Climate issues, political tensions, and socialeconomic conditions may push us around. Or maybe, we want to move just to see the world a bit more. If architects start thinking like nomads, will we be ready for change?