Anthropologist Jeanette Lykkegård Looks to Nomadism for New Ways of Living

01/23/25 • 57 min

What can nomadic cultures teach us about architecture, design, and our connection to the environment? In this episode, anthropologist Jeanette Lykkegård, architect Pavels Hedström, and Søren Nørkjær Bang, curator at the Copenhagen Architecture Forum, explore the relationship between nomadism, space and habitation. The conversation examines how nomadism fosters a deep connection to the environment through movement and exposure, contrasting this with the Western focus on controlled, comfort-driven environments that often distance us from the natural world.

The discussion reevaluates the concept of control, questioning whether modern architecture has led us into a “comfort trap” that diminishes our sense of vitality and connection. Lykkegård, Hedström, and Bang reflect on how nomadism offers new perspectives for thinking about design and habitation—focusing on adaptability, responsiveness, and a more meaningful relationship with the world around us.

This podcast is part of the event series 'Strange Adaptions' with architect Pavels Hedström.

This podcast is part of the event series 'Strange Adaptions' with architect Pavels Hedström.

Previous Episode

Biochemist Irina Iachina Lets Spiders Weave the Future of Design

Biochemist Irina Iachina shares her groundbreaking work on biomimicry, focusing on spider silk as a model for sustainable innovation. From her studies at the University of Southern Denmark to her research at MIT, Iachina has investigated how spiders create silk using only salt water and proteins. This natural process provides a blueprint for developing recyclable and eco-friendly materials that could replace synthetic, wasteful alternatives. Her research underscores the power of looking to nature for solutions to modern challenges.

In conversation with architect Pavels Hedström and curator Søren Nørkjær Bang, Iachina discusses the broader implications of biomimicry as part of the exhibition Strange Adaptations at Halmtorvet 27. The podcast explores not only the scientific aspects of her work but also the emotional and ethical dimensions of engaging with nature. Iachina emphasizes the importance of shifting from exploiting nature to learning from it, recognizing the intelligence and unique qualities of even the smallest creatures. The dialogue touches on how these principles can inform architecture, urban design, and sustainable development, underscoring the vital role of curiosity and playfulness in driving innovation.

Next Episode

Bioethicist Mickey Gjerris Holds Onto Hope in a Time of Hopelessness

How do we move beyond human dominance and toward true collaboration with other species? As part of the exhibition Strange Adaptations at Halmtorvet 27, bioethicist Mickey Gjerris, architect Pavels Hedström, and curator Søren Nørkjær Bang engage in a conversation about the evolving relationships between humans, nature, and technology.

At the heart of the discussion is the idea of symbiosis—what does it truly mean to create mutualistic relationships across species? In an era defined by ecological crisis, the speakers confront the ethical dilemmas that arise when personal desires clash with collective responsibility. Gjerris reflects on the role of love and respect in interspecies interactions, questioning whether a radical shift in perspective—away from control and exploitation—might open the door to more meaningful coexistence.

But how do we emotionally navigate the scale of the environmental challenges we face? The conversation explores the role of hope and fear in the age of ecological degradation, asking what emotional attitude we should cultivate to respond proportionately to the problems at hand. Should we embrace optimism, or does acknowledging fear drive us to act more decisively? What attutudes might help us move beyond despair and paralysis toward meaningful action?