Essay

The experience of mobile architecture can be quite a powerful thing. Take for instance the BMW Guggenheim Laboratory that was constructed in New York — there, on a rather small lot, this lab was assembled to serve as think-tank and community center. And the beauty of this is that such architecture does a lot to uplift an area.

To explain further as to why this is the case, the following are seven reasons why mobile architecture can be a good thing for a local community:

Top 7 Reasons Why Mobile Architecture Can Leave a Permanent Positive Mark

1. Mobile architecture can revitalize an area, turning an abandoned or difficult-to-use space into a notable place that sparks community pride. Plus, depending on its function, mobile architecture can be set up for events that also help to boost community participation and spirit.

2. Mobile architecture can be transformed. Thus, there is a changeability factor that comes into place when considering mobile architecture. With some prescience it becomes possible to provide for a variety of functions within a given area over a period of time. Again, events can be more truly celebrated.

3. Mobile architecture can be built quickly, and as such it can be transported to different parts of the world. Thus, a place (or an event) can become global — giving multiple cultures a chance to experience a particular idea of place.

4. Mobile architecture doesn’t have to follow all of architecture’s rules. In other words, it can be assembled and disassembled repeatedly — something more traditional architecture doesn’t do. This means that mobile architecture can fit into unique space, can be constructed at unique times, and can be used in unique ways.

5. Mobile architecture can create “spirit of place”. Because mobile architecture can be tied to events so easily, it can quite inherently take on a “spirit of place” as a community gathers around its intended functions. Just because an architecture is mobile does not mean that it makes less of an impact because of its impermanence. Instead, it has the power to launch both individual and collective experiences of curiosity, pride, memory, and so on.

6. Mobile architecture can test new ideas. Because mobile architecture is less permanent and can travel, it is a great way to test new ideas within architecture. Almost like a portable laboratory, mobile architecture is a great way to see how different people (even of different cultures) react to given architectural compositions.

7. Mobile architecture can be timelier. Because mobile architecture can be erected quickly and can travel, it has the ability to react in a timelier fashion to current events within a community. Thus, it can smooth-over a difficult time, or it can conjure up great excitement for an area. Mobile architecture has this advantage of being able to respond more quickly.

Image Credit: © rox sm | Flickr