Lloyd Kahn (born 1935) is arguably the most influential pioneer of the DIY building movement that emerged in the counterculture of the 1960s. Besides being trained as a carpenter and having built many homes by hand, he also has a special talent for presenting information in an easy-to-understand form, a skill he puts to use as editor-in-chief of Shelter Publications, where he releases books on building and fitness.
His first contact with the craft of publishing was in 1968 when he became a key contributor to the creation of the Whole Earth Catalog, which led him to publish two books on dome building and then, in 1973, the book Shelter (which went on to sell over 300.000 copies).
The name Shelter is significant here, as it describes the essence of why we build. When we speak of architecture we think of monumental structures or at least buildings for an elite, and not of the homes built to meet our most human needs. This is what I find so empowering about Kahn’s emphasis on building traditions outside the architectural canon: The message that you can still create your own home, without being rich or a professional. Much of what is presented to us today under the label #cabinporn has little to do with this utopian spirit that encourages a forgotten self-efficacy beyond what money can buy.
good work Lloyd…
so very glad to see you (once more) recognised.
“arguably the most influential pioneer of the DIY building movement that emerged in the counterculture of the 1960s”
of course, those of use who regularly read your blog knew this already..!!!
Not sure how that Shelter book wound up at our house, it was just there. I was 17.
I quickly laid it on the floor, propped myself up on my elbows and didn’t get up until I had scanned every tiny sentence and image.
I’m 66 now, I still have that same book and from time to time you’ll find me in that same pose, laying on my stomach, propped up on my elbows and scanning every tiny sentence and image.
Thank you Lloyd for sharing your curiosity and wonder. Thank you for your creating a treasure.
Hi Lloyd, I have to tell you that Domebook 2 changed my life in many ways. The philosophy of many of those who contributed to your book affected my thinking greatly. I became a geodesic dome enthusiast since reading it 40 years ago. I also own your book Shelter which I love. Although I am near 64 years of age I decided just recently to start building geodesic dome greenhouses for people if they want one. I’ve been looking at the cost of materials which since the Covid hit has been going up and down dramatically. I wish steel would continue to come down. I am hoping to build a few. Years ago I thought it would be great to have a Domebook 2 reunion. All those who contributed to the book could come together and share what’s happening with them now. It has been years and some of have died. Jay Baldwin of the Pillow Dome passed away in 2018 at the age of 85, very sad, I loved the Pillow Dome a great greenhouse application. Then recently I found another Domebook 2 contributor Steve Kubby who was a very cerebral personality has also passed away.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kubby
Life goes on. There was a couple Mario and Erika, who built very light dome structures and his hub design is being used a lot these days. How I wish I knew what happened with them. Hope you are well Mr. Kahn, I appreciate all your hard work and egret publications. Take care and God bless.
Hey Lloyd thank you so much for sharing my post. It’s an honor. How did you find it?
And to everyone else reading this: I’m sure you’ll find a lot of other interesting stuff on my website. You could start with the category “dropout” for example: https://doorofperception.com/tags/dropout/
here’s a nice little home, you may like a gander at
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-64511741
he too likes critters -“The sheep in the neighbouring field sometimes get in here and I get woken by sheep jumping on my roof.”
scroll done here, pic of inside..nice
https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/man-89-built-his-own-hobbit-house-in-highlands-where-he-lives-almost-entirely-off-grid-3988400
Ben, I picked it up via Google Alerts.