ABSTRACT
The chapter presents the theoretical background of the research with particular attention paid to how far changes in mobility behaviours have influenced the redefinition of urban rhythms, and the relationship between people and territory. First of all, the chapter introduces the theoretical debate about mobility. The increasing importance of mobility in everyday life advocates for a deeper reflection on the concept, to the point of being able to observe a mobility turn and announce a ‘new mobilities paradigm’. If, on one hand, the development of ICT and fast, low cost transport allows constant contact with significant others, even when far from home, promoting more reversible forms of mobility, on the other hand, when facing the choice of relocating or migrating due to work reasons, people tend to choose less definitive forms of mobility, such as being a long distance commuter. Through the lens of mobility, it will be possible to analyse the spatial effects of those mobility practices and to study new urban rhythms made up of presence and absence, being near and far, and the possibility to simultaneously inhabit different places and actuate different delocalised spheres of activities such as job, personal relationship and family.
