Observing the phenomenon of voluntary van-dwelling as a site of nomadic utopianism

Abstract

This paper develops a conceptual framework for analysing the phenomenon of van-dwelling as a site of and for utopian thought, and as an example of nomadic utopianism. It draws on literature from the philosophy of nomadology, critical mobilities of nomadism, and nomadic utopianism. Nomadic philosophy is connected to utopian thought and action through a proposed ‘utopic system’ of desire, horizon, and programme. This framework is used to analyse interview data collected from nineteen van-dwellers situated in central Portugal in 2024. The focus is on the tensions between state and nomad thought/utopianisms and their associated productions of striated and smooth space through the processes of (re)territorialisation and deterritorialisation (Deleuze and Guattari 2004a). The results reveal a continuous intra-action between the assemblages of state/nomad utopianisms, dwelling/travelling, and striated/smooth space. Within the limitations of a small, local sample, van-dwelling is confirmed as a site of and for utopian thought and an example of nomadic utopianism. This extends our understanding beyond Sargent’s three faces of utopianism (literature, social thought, intentional social experiment), and contributes to an understanding of van-dwelling as an invitation to move into the marginal where state utopianisms can be challenged, resisted, or subverted in deterritorialised smooth space.