Earth, water, air, and aether : mobitecture as a ‘vessel’ for understanding adaptive architecture in our ever-evolving world

Abstract

In light of accelerated urbanisation, technological advancements, climate volatility, and the transformations of home and work that have arisen post-pandemic, architecture is called to evolve beyond static typologies. It must adopt characteristics of mobility, modularity, and resilience. This dissertation, titled "Earth, Water, Air & Aether: Mobitecture as a 'Vessel' for Adaptive Architecture in Our Ever-Changing World," critically examines the concept of mobitecture as an integration of mobility and architecture into a cohesive design philosophy and spatial strategy that responds to contemporary global dynamics. Situated within a constructivist and interpretivist paradigm, the study employs a qualitative research approach, highlighted by semi-structured elite interviews with eight practitioners from diverse fields, including architecture, naval design, and spatial theory. Their insights were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic methodology, which revealed significant trends concerning mobility, identity, modularity, and ecological ethics. A thorough literature review traces the evolution of mobitecture from nomadic vernacular prototypes, such as yurts and tipis, through Archigram’s visionary mobile city concepts, the tiny house movement, and innovative portable structures, including wearable shelters and inflatable disaster relief modules. The thematic analysis identified seven global themes: Redefining Home and Identity, Modularity and Compact Living, Autonomy and Infrastructure, Ownership and Temporality, Spatial Ethics and Ecology, Legislative and Planning Constraints, and the Dynamic Interplay of Values, Aesthetics, and the Sea. The findings expose a significant gap between theoretical potential and practical implementation, emphasising the necessity for interdisciplinary prototyping, policy reform, and user-driven reconfiguration strategies. The dissertation culminates in a consolidated framework that incorporates human-centred ergonomic standards (as outlined by Neufert), closed-loop energy and water systems inspired by yacht and aerospace design, rapid deployment techniques derived from nomadic precedents, and existential-regionalist principles to direct the creation of resilient, adaptable dwellings across land, water, air, and beyond.