THE NOMADIC RIVER GYPSIES

by Mei Tsao

The invasive sea migrants “Chinese Mitten Crab” has always been an ongoing problem to the River Thames as they damage native wildlife and river embankments. However, these little migrants are prized in the far east, it is the time to look at how we could control them, and maybe find a new seafood delicacy to boot. Nomadic River Gypsies looks into the possibility to facilitate the catching of mittens by introducing the CRAB HOTEL and support both commercial and domestic consumption. As Chinese mitten could be seen as a metaphor of immigrants that often settled in cities like London. The fishing village also aims to provide an affordable housing solution for those whom struggle to keep up with the living demands of the city. A partial SELF-BUILD SYSTEM was introduced in which residents are free to design and express their own cultural approach and achieve a stronger sense of belonging.