FLOATHUB- mobile living in the 21th century : Re-imagining housing in the quest for freedom

Abstract: Sweden is experiencing a national housing shortage. The housing market has created a financial inequality between generations and as a result, homeownership has become unachievable for many. Citizens who have become tired of the situation have found their solution in the mobile dwelling. With the main motivation of freedom this thesis examines the role of the mobile dwelling and those who strive for mobile lifestyles, while discussing whether it is a viable way of living as it is constantly challenged.   The focus has been on investigating the challenges of living mobile, as the dwelling does not address the broader challenge of long-term financial security. Also, as the long-term residency is constantly challenged by its location through legislation it contributes to the already vulnerable situation.   The project concentrates on mobile living on water in the context of Stockholm, where I argue that its water as an asset has not yet been fully explored. The covered case studies have demonstrated the challenges of long-term residency for mobile dwellers have been overcome through different steps of actions, which in turn has contributed to the freedom of mobility.   This project proposes that in keeping the benefits of mobile living and re-imagining a framework, mobile residents using their own assets and know-how, can through a collective action become developers themselves. Focus is given to the achievement of long-term financial and residential security and as a result, the mobile dwelling becomes more than a temporary solution.