Design, Technology, and Cultural Expressions in Contemporary and Future Forms of Nomadic Living

The concept of dwelling is undergoing a profound transformation as societal shifts, technological advancements, and environmental imperatives redefine our understanding of permanence and mobility. Historically rooted in the nomadic practices of Bedouins, Tuareg, and other itinerant cultures, moving architectures and design products reflect an enduring human response to the dynamic needs of survival, exploration, and adaptation. Today, this tradition is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by the rise of digital nomadism, widespread connectivity, and the pressing demand for flexible and sustainable living solutions. This paper explores how contemporary design is reshaping the paradigm of dwelling on the move, transcending traditional notions of place and permanence. Starting from historical precedents of mobile and temporary living and their evolution into modern innovations, the research examines the contemporary directions of dwelling offered by the application of new technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR / VR). Drawing on case studies from diverse contexts, portable habitats and digital dwelling examples, such as Second Life, currently offered by the Metaverse, the paper highlights how advancements in digital, extended, immersive and responsive technologies could enable new forms of adaptable alternative forms of dwelling.