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Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners
Nomadic Permanence,  | International Design Awards Winners

Nomadic Permanence

UniversityPrinceton Universiy
Lead DesignersYuanyuan Cao
Project LocationQinghai-Tibet Plateau
Prize(s)Gold in Other Architectural Designs / Temporary / Pop-up Structures, Emerging Architectural Design of the Year
Entry Description

This project addresses desertification and economic decline on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau through a strategy of Nomadic Permanence, where permanence anchors ecological restoration and nomadism enables seasonal adaptability. Using modular sandbag construction—literally using sand to defend against sandstorm—it proposes three adaptive structures: a greenhouse, an emergency shelter, and a sun-drying pavilion. They support resilience by mediating between shifting landscapes and long-term regeneration.