Credit: Max Friedlander

A building fails when it falls victim to the elements. Stability, or firmatis, is the least common denominator of architecture: the first in Vitruvius’ Triad and the least contested. We want our buildings anchored to the ground, resilient against storms and seasons. But what would be the experience of an inverse architecture: a structure that could catch the wind?

That’s the question asked by designer Max Friedlander with his project, “Wind Inhabitor”. Hand-fabricated in London and tested out on a site high in the Pyrenees, Friedlander’s small structure comprises, basically, a tent situated on a turntable. Fins and wings catch the wind as it courses along the mountain ridge, pushing the structure to-and-fro. A steering device allows the user some control, as if in a sailboat or helicopter. All the while, an anemometer records what’s going on. You’re still anchored to the ground, but you’re also tethered to the atmosphere.

“The idea is to facilitate a phenomenological experience of the wind whilst maintaining a degree of symbiosis,” states Friedlander.

Just large enough for one person, the project perfectly fits into Archinect’s November open call for projects that are "XS". Friedlander’s nimble Weather Inhabitor shows that you can craft radically different architectural experiences with minimal materials and at small scales. It may not be where you want to live, but it definitely sounds like an interesting experience.

“As an architect, my primary interest lies within the phenomenology of spaces, as well as how spaces can generate new and interesting experiences for the user,” states Friedlander. “The design of this tent aimed to embody these interests in very small architectural space.”

"Weather Inhabitor" was submitted to Archinect's open call for November, XS. In December, Archinect is focusing on all things related to Faith. Send us your ecclesiastical fantasies and salvific imaginings. For more information, head over here.