The length and breadth of Italy: redefining rhythms and territories through mobilities

How far have changes in mobility practices transformed the relationship between people and territory, and altered urban rhythms? In which way can urban planners deal with these transformations? What are the new spaces and habits of people on the move? In answering these questions this article investigates some cases of highly mobile people in Italy, and tests an innovative research method based on the direct observation of people’s mobilities and their stories of this mobility. The article takes on a double perspective: on one hand it tries to offer an overview of the Italian case, collecting general data about changes in the structure of society and mobility behaviours; on the other hand, it describes and maps in detail stories of highly mobile people, investigating mobility paths, the reason behind their choice and, finally, their consequences. The final results are expected to open up new lines of research in the design of mobility: first and foremost, a more holistic approach to mobility may help to better identify mobility demand and define mobility strategies on a territorial level; secondly, the use of a sensitive approach to mobility analysis, one that considers the feelings and perceptions of mobile people, may bring about a more conscious and performing design of mobility spaces and services.