Global Nomad

Global Nomad separates into five parts: dwelling, lamp, sleeping mat, pillow and sleeping bag. These garments are designed to form a portable sanctuary where the wearer or inhabitant has an immersive sensory experience of a predominantly haptic and visual nature. Driven by the rising need to house displaced peoples and provide temporary shelter, in addition to offering respite in our over-mediated world, and a combination of furniture from everyday life with layers of clothing is what forms Global Nomad. This design uses two standard chairs to support a structure that transforms from “coat” to “dwelling”. Through anthropometric research, human physical variation in body shape and size result in versatile sizing for the clothing layers and transformability to accommodate body and furniture. Garment proportions for a variety of body actions, including sitting, sleeping, dressing, undressing and walking were considered. Chairs were selected for their global availability as a method of support for the dwelling, and not based on ergonomic requirements. Standard dining chairs were used because of their accessibility and common dimensions, angles and heights. Utilising chairs as a structure is vital to the spontaneity of creating the Global Nomad sanctuary in almost any setting. Rapid transformation from clothing to dwelling without the need for external structures is of key importance. Botanical references from specific global locations have been digitally embroidered onto New Zealand Merino fabrics before being constructed into garments forming a wearable sanctuary. This creates connectivity with the natural world and associations with places. Tufting with alpaca and Merino yarns creates rich textures, inviting a multi-sensory experience inspired by the luxurious New Zealand native bush. All fabrics have been sourced from the New Zealand textile industry as textile waste. Global Nomad allows either a private or community space where multiple dwellings may be connected.