Trevor Chan — Nomad Campsite

Overview

A campsite/waystation for the contemporary American nomad, comprising two systems: an algorithmic campsite generator and a modular scaffolding-based dwelling structure. Sited on the coast of the Salton Sea, Sonoran Desert. Yale School of Architecture, 2020.

Context

In the spring of 2020, our senior studio class was tasked with designing a campsite for contemporary American nomads — people who, by choice or circumstance, live in their vehicle and travel year-round to work temporary jobs. These individuals make up a portion of the roughly 10 million Americans who lost their homes during the 2008 recession.

The proposal addresses three essential needs: flexibility, so the design can adapt to a specific site while remaining generalizable; scalability, to accommodate a population that changes in size over days, months, and years; and replicability, anticipating a future where such waystations are ubiquitous.

Campsite Generator

The first system is an algorithmic approach to campsite layout that accepts site topography and program parameters as inputs and generates an optimized campground organization in plan.

The algorithm uses an iterative function where nodes consider underlying terrain and the distances and directions to their closest neighbors to calculate movement. This produces organic layouts that mimic patterns found in nature. Nodes are clustered into segments, each assigned a mix of facilities: campsites, guest sites, bathrooms, or meeting spaces.

Campsite Structure

The second system is an impermanent framing and platform kit that interfaces with a car or van to extend the occupant’s living space. Individual campsites are constructed from proprietary scaffolding joints and members combined with custom platform and canopy components. The kit costs an estimated $9.65 per square foot of living space — under $1,000 for a single campsite.