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Nomadic Adaptations: Modular Artefacts Inspired by Nomadic Cultures

Xin Ke

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Ke Xin is a designer and craft explorer. Born in Inner Mongolia, China in 2001, she holds a BA in Craft Art from Beijing University of Technology and is currently pursuing an MA in Fashion Artefact at the University of the Arts London. In Beijing, she engages with the depth and resilience of lacquer; in London, she examines narratives of fashion and the body. Her work seeks to capture time, cultural memory, and bodily experience inherent in materials. 

Ke Xin is a designer and craft explorer. Born in Inner Mongolia, China in 2001, she holds a BA in...

This project translates traditional nomadic principles of adaptability into a responsive system for modern urban mobility. Drawing from my Mongolian cultural background, this work investigates nomadic customs where survival depends on adapting to environmental changes rather than controlling them. The importance of this project lies in connecting cultural heritage with contemporary utility, using the geometric logic of the yurt to define a new language of "control". I created a modular, reconfigurable bag system made of hand-hardened leather and natural wool felt. These materials represent the relationship between engineering precision and organic forms. Each module uses an interlocking wood and leather piping connection system, enabling the wearer to disassemble and reconfigure the artefacts into multiple modes. Ultimately, these bags serve as metaphors for resilience, offering systemic design solutions for the evolving needs of the global nomad.

Final work

Vest bag, made of leather and fur worn in a vest-like manner.

Vest-bag

The inspiration comes from the style of Mongolian clothing - the vest. People often store items in the vest. To facilitate movement, I want to design a bag similar to a clothing item, which can be integrated into the body as part of the clothing and does not require carrying a separate bag. It is made of leather and fur, and is a bag worn in a vest-like manner.

Concept: Inspired by traditional horsemen’s utility garments that stay close to the body.

Function: For carrying essential or valuable items documents, phone, tools, or small survival gear.

Material: Hard leather for protection and structure

Feature: Stable and body-fitting

Hip-Bag, the soft parts are made into expandable areas. Users can adjust the capacity of the bag and the different wearing methods

Hip-Bag

In my design, the soft parts are made into expandable areas. Users can adjust the capacity of the bag and the different wearing methods according to their needs.

Concept: References the collecting pouches used by nomads for herbs, plants, or fuel during migration.

Function: Designed to carry found or gathered objects ，natural materials or daily essentials.

Structure: Expandable and flexible, reflecting adaptability and temporary accumulation.

Sleeve-Bag, can wrap around the arm like a sleeve, be able to open and fold, and be used for storing clothes, soft fabrics and items.

Sleeve-Bag

The inspiration comes from traditional nomadic quiver. I hope it can wrap around the arm like a sleeve, be able to open and fold, and be used for storing clothes, soft fabrics and items.

Concept: the combination of traditional clothing and the body, such as sleeves or arm guards.

Functions and carry-on objects: soft and compressible items (such as clothes, fabrics, scarves).

Characteristics and meaning: can be unfolded and folded

HandleBag made of leather and wool felt that can store food and has a heat-insulating effect.

HandleBag

The inspiration came from traditional nomadic food bags and wine bottles. I attempted to create bags made of leather and wool felt that could store food and had a heat-insulating effect.I hope that these two can be combined to form a large portable bag that can be moved, and both can be adjusted in length according to the needs.

Concept: Inspired by the modular and thermal qualities of Mongolian yurts and felt structures.

Function: For carrying and preserving food or other shared items.

Material: Wool felt  naturally insulating and tactile, evoking warmth and protection.

Feature: Can be connected together to expand volume or reconfigure function

Research and process

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Nomadic Adaptations: Modular Artefacts Inspired by Nomadic Cultures

This project translates traditional nomadic principles of adaptability into a responsive system for modern urban mobility. Drawing from my Mongolian cultural background, this work investigates nomadic customs where survival depends on adapting to environmental changes rather than...

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