Diogene: A Mobile Home By Renzo Piano

What is the result of a world-famous architect, known for structures like the Centre Pompidou and The New York Times building, unleashing his knowledge and experience of these Herculean constructions on an absolutely tiny self-sustaining mobile home? Apparently, the Diogene.

Greek stoic philosopher Diogene lived his live inside a ceramic jar in the marketplace to criticise social values and mocking corrupt society. How apt is it then, that celebrity architect Renzo Piano’s new self-sustainable mobile home is named after this intriguing man. Its strikingly small stature is only a small part of what makes this structure stand out between most other mobile homes. The Diogene is intended to be a mobile office or retreat for just one person and is able to fulfill its purpose practically anywhere.

Diogene

Rainwater is collected by the intelligently designed roof for the shower, sink and biotoilet and solar panels provide all the power one would need for a couple of days. According to the Vitra Campus, for which the Diogene is built, the mobile home is not meant for emergency use, but is a ‘voluntary retreat’. That seems to be a gorgeous ambition. Finally there is a mobile home that is not meant for day-to-day use and hurried living, but for taking a moment to breathe and relax in your own little private space. That exactly this vision for mobile living comes from the sleeve of one of the world’s most famous architects has to be called a perfect match.