Nomadic Territory Planning Studies

Nomadic Territory Planning Studies

Comparative Analysis of Spatial and Structural Patterns of Nomadic Housing in the Temporary Architecture of Shigeru Ban

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Pedram Hessari 1
Afsaneh Farzandost 2
1 Associate Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Lorestan, Iran.
2 M.A. in Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
10.22034/jsnap.2026.582127.1142
Abstract
Introduction: In recent decades, the increasing frequency of humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and forced migrations has transformed temporary housing into one of the major challenges of contemporary architecture. Despite significant advances in construction technologies, many temporary shelter models continue to suffer from limitations such as poor spatial quality, limited adaptability, and inadequate functional sustainability. In this context, nomadic housing, as one of the oldest forms of mobile habitation, embodies coherent spatial and structural patterns that may provide valuable insights for rethinking contemporary temporary architecture.
Objectives: This study aims to identify and analyze the spatial and structural patterns of nomadic housing and to examine their reflection in the temporary architectural works of Shigeru Ban.
Methodology: The research adopts a qualitative approach based on descriptive–analytical and comparative methods. Data were collected through library-based research, the review of authoritative scholarly sources, and the analysis of selected case studies.
Geographical Context: The study focuses on nomadic settlements in the Zagros region and the Central Iranian Plateau, as well as Shigeru Ban’s temporary architectural projects, including the Paper Log House and the Paper Partition System, implemented in Japan, Rwanda, and Türkiye.
Results and Discussion: The findings reveal a significant degree of correspondence between the spatial and structural patterns of nomadic housing and Shigeru Ban’s temporary architectural projects. Shared characteristics include lightweight construction, portability, spatial flexibility, rapid assembly, and environmental adaptability, all of which contribute to efficient and resilient temporary habitation.
Conclusion: The results indicate that nomadic housing patterns possess substantial potential for reinterpretation within contemporary temporary architecture. By incorporating these indigenous principles, architects can develop more structured, flexible, and efficient models for the design of temporary settlements capable of responding effectively to contemporary social and environmental challenges.
Keywords
Temporary Housing
Contemporary Architecture
Nomadic Housing
Temporary Architecture
Spatial Pattern
Subjects
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Nomadic Territory Planning Studies
Volume 5, Issue 2 - Serial Number 10
Autumn and Winter
February 2026
Pages 151-164