L’avènement du camping en France (1900-1970) : essai de généalogie de l’habitat de plein air
Abstract
The nineteenth century, faced with rising industrialization
and urbanization, saw an increased sensibility regarding the
return to nature, known as the outdoors. At the same time,
multiple ways became apparent of dwelling natural spaces
left empty by diminishing agricultural activity. These openair
playgrounds were revisited by city dwellers yearning for
fresh air. With this exploration of nearby nature, a veritable
poetics of dwelling was produced by daydreamers in tents,
huts, cabins, caravans and other forms of recreational habitats.
It is this singular experience of the self and the world
which forms the perspective of oikoludens, the history of
which the author attempts to trace. From the romanticized
image of camping in the forest or in a cave, to standardized,
industrially produced huts for leisure use, a whole spectrum
is displayed of an investment in our ‘wild sides’ which only
dwelling makes possible.