On the road: these nomadic homes could set you free
We are all, once, nomads. Our ancient ancestors wandered from place to place as the climate and crop demanded—and their homes had to be fit for this itinerant lifestyle. If you’re on the move, your home needs to move with you. Philip Jodidio’s new Taschen tome, Nomadic Homes begins with an overture to our deep-rooted peripatetic spirit, and brings out some surprising examples and architectural feats that show how housing has been adapted to the lives of wandering souls. From 8th century tents to trailer homes, Bible wagons, igloos, sustainable pods in the forests and houses that float on water, Nomadic Homes gives endless examples of innovation and experimental design.
Being rootless doesn’t mean you have to forgo on comfort—or stability. Or at least, not in the psychological sense: Danish group N55’s Walking House (2009), an environmentally-friendly modular abode for up to four people, walks on six legs, powered by linear actuators. Probably not the best time to cook dinner. It is impossible to think about nomadic living today without thinking about migration forced by political and environmental disasters.
Floating House, designed by Carl Turner Architects. Courtesy of Carl Turner Architects
It’s hardly surprising, in this context, that the architects, designers and artists interested in temporary and moveable homes often engage with the challenges of our times. One example is Shigeru Ban’s emergency relief projects, such as the shipping containers he set up as bright, open living spaces in Onagawa following the tsunami in Japan in 2011, and the pre-fabricated foam-board houses he proposed in Manila in 2013 – one of the ways nomadic thinking could be applied to address the needs of the displaced. Morphosis’ The Float House, able to self-sustain and to withstand the floods caused by storms like Hurricane Katrina, is another solution for troubling times.
The book also points to nomadic living, as chosen lifestyle, as a political statement, bucking against conformist society and its ideals of ownership — something that seems increasingly appealing with rising house prices and urban overcrowding. Tiny house pioneer Christopher Smith (also the subject of a documentary film) built his cosy, off-grid, self-sufficient home in Colorado for $26,000. Equally appealing is the snug Collingwood Shepherd Hut, constructed from all kinds of reclaimed wood, with bright, minimal interiors — no more than just what you need, a riposte to a culture of consumerism and excess.
‘As it should be readily apparent from this summary collection of movable residences from all over the world and in all types of different contexts, the nomadic spirit of our ancestors the hunter-gatherers is very much alive in the modern world,’ Jodidio writes. ‘Where architecture has often sought stability and thus the lack of movement, modernity has brought a sense of the finite, and a good deal of modesty about posterity and longevity.’
INFORMATION
Nomadic Homes, published by Taschen
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Charlotte Jansen is a journalist and the author of two books on photography, Girl on Girl (2017) and Photography Now (2021). She is commissioning editor at Elephant magazine and has written on contemporary art and culture for The Guardian, the Financial Times, ELLE, the British Journal of Photography, Frieze and Artsy. Jansen is also presenter of Dior Talks podcast series, The Female Gaze.
-
Molly Goddard on creating a community of contemporary brides
As new Molly Goddard bridal wear is released, the designer talks about creating romantic but real wedding dresses, while three recent brides tell the stories behind their own Goddard gowns
By Jack Moss Published
-
Palazzo Roma embodies the heritage of Roman noblesse
Palazzo Roma, part of the Shedir Collection, boasts eclectic and eccentric interiors by Giampiero Panepinto
By Luke Abrahams Published
-
Boise Passive House’s bold gestures support an environmentally friendly design
Boise Passive House by Haas Architecture combines sleek, contemporary design and environmental efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Flick through ‘Brutal Wales’, a book celebrating concrete architecture
‘Brutal Wales’ book zooms into a selection of concrete Welsh architecture treasures through the lens of photographer Simon Phipps
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Minimalist architecture: homes that inspire calm
These examples of minimalist architecture place life in the foreground – clutter is demoted; joy promoted
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond
For some of the world's finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond, scroll below. Can’t get enough of brutalism? Neither can we.
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Architecture books to inspire shelf love
Here at Wallpaper*, we’ve got architecture books piling up; among them, these are the photographic tomes, architects’ monographs and limited editions that we couldn’t resist
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Modernist architecture: inspiration from across the globe
Modernist architecture has had a tremendous influence on today’s built environment, making these midcentury marvels some of the most closely studied 20th-century buildings; check back soon for new additions to our list
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The iconic British house: key examples explored
New book ‘The Iconic British House’ by Dominic Bradbury explores the country’s best residential examples since 1900
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Loyle Carner’s Reading Festival 2023 stage presents spatial storytelling at its finest
We talk to Loyle Carner and The Unlimited Dreams Company (UDC) about the musical artist’s stage set design for Reading Festival 2023
By Teshome Douglas-Campbell Published
-
The Leaf is a feat of engineering and an ode to the Canadian Prairies
The Leaf in Winnipeg, Canada, is the first interactive horticultural attraction of its kind: a garden and greenhouse complex promoting a better understanding of how people can connect with plants
By Adrian Madlener Published