About my dissertation — The Essence of Modern Nomadism: A Journey Beyond Borders

It has been four and a half years since I completed my master’s degree, yet the ideas I explored in my dissertation continue to ripple through my personal and professional life. What began as a thesis project has since evolved into a deeply personal and collective inquiry into the lives, needs, and spaces of modern nomads. Through unexpected connections and evolving projects, this research has grown beyond the walls of academia, touching real people and real places.

In 2021, at the height of the global pandemic, a Chinese woman reached out to me after coming across my dissertation. She was living in the US for almost her teenage life, overwhelmed by the emotional tension between her mobile lifestyle and a fragile sense of belonging. Reading my work gave her not only validation but a sense of language to express what she had been feeling. Around the same time, I connected with another Chinese woman who shared a deep interest in urban living and community design. Our conversations evolved into collaboration, and eventually, she volunteered her inclusive design expertise to a coliving startup I was researching for. That experience laid the groundwork for something larger.

I met the founder of Beacon at a startup event in Taipei City, Taiwan. I was drawn to his idea of communal living for his company and how it can be effectively addressing some of the crises relevant to our human basic needs nowadays. Later, he saw my dissertation using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to analyse modern nomads–combined the company’s vision, it opened up an opportunity to dive deep into significant conversation about placemaking, urban communal living, and meaningful community. This became a turning point — my life has changed and elevated through his lens and perspective on this shifting world and how humans are going to be housed in urban cities.

I began to see the dissertation not as a finished work, but as a starting point for an ongoing inquiry into the psychosocial and spatial challenges faced by modern nomads.

Recently, while sharing my dissertation with a colleague, she mentioned that it had been cited. I found it on Research gate and approached the Turkish author on LinkedIn. Her research interest in the topic made me realise that my dissertation has the potential to expand, evolve, and elevate and it can be applied on interior design, architecture, space making and such. We both believe the spaces we design today for highly mobile groups as collectives — modern nomads such as refugees, migrant workers, digital nomads, and others have to be different and how to create that ’sense of belonging’ certainly is crucial amidst the loneliness crisis.

The more I uncover through the founding journey with Beacon, the clearer it becomes that the world is not yet ready — or willing — to fully integrate the emotional, social, and spatial needs of those living in motion. While there is an abundance of products and spaces designed for ‘digital nomads’, very few account for the psychological transitions and community-building needs that come with life on the move. The lack of understanding in how to meaningfully incorporate the lived experiences of modern nomads into urban housing, placemaking strategies, and community design reveals a persistent gap between theory and practice.

This journey has also brought me back to the question of urban living. I currently serve as the Chief Operating Officer of a professional organising startup, where our mission is to make people long to return home — by transforming organising into a lifestyle and raising awareness about hoarding and decluttering. During one of my dissertation interviews, a Romanian woman told me she owns almost nothing. First, because it’s inconvenient to carry belongings when you’re constantly on the move; and second, because when you leave for good, most things cannot come with you. The more I came to understand the emotional and logistical burdens of possession, the more my focus shifted — from managing physical space to caring for the soul.

This dissertation, therefore, is both retrospective and forward-looking. It reflects on the original inquiry and how it has evolved through direct engagement with individuals and initiatives at the frontlines of nomadic living. It also proposes new frameworks for understanding and designing for mobility — ones that acknowledge not only the logistics of movement but also the complex, often contradictory, desires for belonging, identity, autonomy, and connection.

Below is a summary of my dissertation, which I will continue to break down into chapters as I revisit, re-research, and expand on the ideas within.

Introduction

In an era defined by mobility, modern nomadism has emerged as a fascinating lifestyle that challenges conventional notions of home, stability, and belonging. While traditional nomads moved out of necessity — to find food, water, or pasture — modern nomads move for reasons that extend beyond survival, driven by personal fulfillment, career flexibility, and self-discovery.

The Rise of Modern Nomadism

The concept of nomadism has evolved significantly with globalisation and technological advancements. Historically, nomadic cultures played a crucial role in societal development, yet the rise of industrialisation led to widespread settlement. Today, a new wave of nomadism is resurfacing, fueled by the digital revolution, remote work opportunities, and an increasing desire for freedom and self-exploration.

Rethinking ‘Home’

A key question in understanding modern nomads is: What does ‘home’ mean to them? Unlike the conventional view of home as a fixed physical space, modern nomads often perceive home as a fluid and evolving concept — something that can be carried within rather than tied to a specific location. Many nomads create a sense of home through communities, experiences, and personal connections, rather than geographic stability.

Motivation Behind the Movement

Modern nomads exhibit strong cognitive needs and a drive for self-actualisation, aligning with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. They seek not only adventure and professional independence but also a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. Their movement is often a pursuit of personal growth, cultural exploration, and an alternative way of living that prioritises experiences over possessions.

The Challenges and Contradictions

While the nomadic lifestyle is often romanticised, it is not without its paradoxes. Constant movement can lead to feelings of alienation, rootlessness, and loneliness. There is also an inherent tension between the desire for freedom and the need for stability. Some nomads struggle with questions of long-term sustainability — whether they will eventually ‘settle down’ or continue embracing mobility indefinitely.

Why This Study Matters

Understanding modern nomadism is crucial in a world where mobility is becoming increasingly prevalent. This study aims to explore the psychological and social dimensions of modern nomads, their needs, and their concept of place, shedding light on a lifestyle that is reshaping traditional notions of identity and belonging.

Conclusion

Modern nomads are more than just travelers — they are navigators of an evolving world, redefining home and self in an era of unprecedented movement. As technology continues to break down barriers and redefine work-life balance, the modern nomadic lifestyle is likely to grow, prompting deeper discussions on what it means to belong in an ever-changing world.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the world of modern nomadism, examining the factors that drive this movement, the places that shape it, and the needs that sustain it.