A PROPOSED SOLUTION

from CONOMAD: A New Architecture

by Rachel Marie Frail

USER ANALYSIS

BELOVE: EXAMPLE OF PROGRAM AND INTERIOR FLEXIBILITY AS PROPOSED FOR THE NATURAL SITE.

A COMMUNITY FACILITY DESIGNED FOR NOMADIC TAKEOVER

A PROPOSED SOLUTION

DESIGNING THE PROGRAM

Originally, the program sought to explore various types of architectural solutions that could travel with the vehicle-dwelling nomad and be assembled onsite. However, research revealed nomadic individuals prefer the comfort and safety of their vehicles for sleeping and storing their items and traveling light was of upmost importance; therefore, a new approach was necessary. With this knowledge, the project began to form touch-down sites where vehicledwellers could gather and disperse at their discretion abandoning the architecture for periods of time. These locations would seek to consolodate resources for the vehicle-dwelling nomads.

This method meant the program demanded a duality of function. Because nomadic vehicle-dwellers are constantly moving, any architecture provided for the user group would need to also provide value to the existing community of the site. Therefore, the design of the project began with the communities needs and then was cross reference with the needs of vehicle-dwelling individuals to determine the program, as shown in Exhibit A. The program of the Bellevue Pop-Up and the Cottonwood Trailhead will be discussed in the following section.

This method of determining the program resulted in three stages of each site: a typical day at the site, an event occurring on the site, and the nomadic takeover of the site. These differing conditions suggest the programming and interior components must remain as flexible as the individuals who use the space. Because the proposal explores adapting community-based structures to the vehicle-dwelling nomad, this project also serves as an example of how similarly programmed spaces currently existing could also be adapted in similar ways if the public/ private owner were open to a nomadic takeover.

FLEXIBLE INTERIORITY

In order to create the highest level of adaptability within the sites, the projects aimed to provide a singular component for which space could be manipulated. Many methods of stacking and collapsing elements were explored throughout this process, and the resulting design became a platform for which collapses into a partition wall. These elements assist in creating various levels of interiority within the site, and through their easy of mobility, these components allow the interior architecture to constantly be in a state of flux. Moreover, the site required a method for which the nomads could personalize space and modify the interior to adjust with their more domestic needs of comfort, work, and social space.

Originally, the project sought to explore a singular, transformable object for which the vehicle-dwelling nomad could transport from place-toplace. However, research showed the spatial capacity of vehicle-dwellers was incredibly limited. Moreover, these individuals are part of a culture of ‘making do’ where they use the items at their disposal to fit their needs. Their ingenuity through current domestic practices became an inspiration for not a furniture design, but instead an application.

39

THE SYAHIM MAG

40

PLATFORM/PARTITIONS DESIGNED TO BE TRANSFORMABLE THROUGH THEIR FUNCTION AND STACKABLE TO CREATE VARIOUS LEVELS OF FLOOR HEIGHT.

PLATFORM/PARTITION DESIGN

The platforms/partitions each site allow the exterior spaces to manifest the feel of interiority through a reconfiguration of partitions. When in the platform position, these elements are stackable and create various platform heights onsite. This becomes valuable in create stages for events and performances, but also the differences in elevation create an implied division of spaces. Once these spaces are programmed with people and objects, the activity occurring within the space determines the level of privacy of that space.

Moreover, the stickability of these elements creates implied furniture opportunities. For example, three platforms stacked provides a seating height of 18” or six platforms stacked can provide a standing desk height or counter height of 36”. The wheeled elements of each platform are designed to sit within the lower platform to secure the platforms when in a stacked position. Each caster is lockable once in its desired position in order to secure each element. These platforms are designed to move. With dimensions of 9’x4.5’, these platforms can easily be sandwiched into their partition position and wheeled to their desired location. Moreover, two people could easily stack these components with little coordination. The platforms are made from extruded aluminum, to maintain the lightness of the elements, and local wood finishes. Because of the high level of flexibility in use for these platforms, they can be used by the community and nomadic individuals alike and are easily stored in a container pod onsite when storage is necessary.

41

THE SYAHIM MAG

42

CONOMAD APPLICATION

The CONOMAD application becomes the platform for which facilitates and capitalizes on the ingenuity of nomadic vehicle-dwellers. Nomads from all over the world can post their experiences with DIY transformative domestic projects. For example, an individual who discovers a way to stuff a sleeping bag with dirty laundry and tie it into a lounge chair using basic rope would post their experience creating this project to the platform. The platform works to opensource design strategies – where one person’s attempt quickly becomes adapted over and over again – each time becoming more efficient and effective in its purpose.

Therefore, the application creates a community of amateur designers and allows the community’s overall experience to advance the knowledge of the vehicle-dwelling user as a whole. These individuals already have the creative spirit of ‘making do’. Therefore, a platform that would allow these individuals to capitalize on this ingenuity would provide a great resource to and advancement of the domestic interiority of the vehicle-dwelling nomad.