Arrive, plug-in, connect, reroute: translating social infrastructure into community design for nomadic trailer park living

Abstract

This thesis examines how architecture can transform trailer parks into plug-in community buildings that strengthens social connection for mobile residents. While travel trailer living provides affordability and flexibility, most parks in Ontario operate seasonally and enforce a maximum stay. They also lack infrastructure for the community. These gaps hinder the formation of community networking, especially since residents are required to move at least once or twice a year. Through mapping, researched interviews, historical research, and site analysis this thesis provides a summary of the cycle of arriving, plugging-in, connecting, and rerouting. Using precedents such as hostels, cooperative housing, shared spaces, and park amenities, this thesis proposes a model for a year-round community building, that extends community beyond the individual trailers. The project reframes nomadic living not as an instability, but as a connected lifestyle supported through conscientious design.