The transition from a nomadic way of life to a more sedentary lifestyle can be motivated by many reasons. A certain need for stability can rise at a certain moment in life, and with it the desire for community and the need to be part of a group and form connections with neighbours or friends, etc. While settling down, the location is a key feature and in the case of “Paradiesli”, the location in the middle of the mountains helps to recall the sense of travel and freedom.This shift from nomadism to sedentary life is not presented as a binary choice between freedom and stability, but rather as a nuanced exploration of the ways in which we can find a balance between the two. The trailers may represent a sense of freedom, but they are also vulnerable and impermanent. The permanent structures, on the other hand, offer a greater sense of stability. As people become more settled, they are more likely to form communities and establish a sense of place.
The feeling of wander
Trailers themselves, as a structure and as a symbol, convey a sense of wanderlust, as they are designed for mobility and travel. They represent a lifestyle that is constantly on the move, where the journey is just as important as the destination. Traveling in a trailer can evoke a unique feeling of wander that is different from other modes of travel. The feeling of wander can be described as a sense of freedom and exploration, where the journey is just as important as the destination. When in a trailer, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace and to take your home with you wherever you go. This can create a sense of independence and self-reliance, as well as a feeling of connection to the natural world. Indeed, the ability to park the trailer in remote and beautiful locations let people immerse themselves in the natural world and experience the beauty of the outdoors. This connection to nature can be both grounding and inspiring, evoking a sense of wonder.
Christian Neuenschwander’s photographic series captures the spirit of the open road inspiring a sense of awe and wander in the viewer. The feeling of wander is the sense of restlessness and longing to explore that arises from a desire for change or adventure. It isa feeling that can be experienced by those who are transitioning from a nomadic life to sedentariness, as they adjust to a more settled way of living. This feeling is reflected in the“Paradiesli” photographs, which capture the tension between the desire for mobility and the desire for stability.
Thus, this sense of wander is reflected in the tension between these two modes of living. While the desire for mobility and adventure may still be present, it is increasingly tempered by the desire for stability and comfort.The hybridization of trailer architecture, which combines elements of both traditional homes and mobile homes, highlights this tension even further. These structures offer the benefits of both mobility and stability, but also present challenges in terms of durability and cultural identity.Overall, the feeling of wander when travelling in a trailer is a unique combination of freedom, adventure, and simplicity. It is a way to experience the world on your own terms, to connect with nature and with yourself, and to create lasting memories that will stay with you long after the journey is over.
Mutation allover
Hybrid Architecture
Echoing the “Paradielsi” series, more examples of trailers transformations can be found in architecture
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© Karel Verstraeten
In 2014, Karel Verstraeten, a Belgian architect, transformed an old construction site trailer.
“The clients bought the trailer from the local government for just €15 (about £12) and asked Karel Verstraeten to redesign it”, OliviaMull.