ABSTRACT

This chapter describes how the mobilities research and turn from the hands and mind of John Urry has influenced the emerging research area of mobilities design. From 2000 and until John Urry’s premature death in 2016 we had multiple conversations in often rather odd places – from universities to train stations, from airport lounges to the author's patio. The common denominators to these conversations were a mutual interest in mobilities, and always with the author as a learning novice. The chapter uses the personal narrative and the many conversations to show how the academic work was influenced by John’s ideas and thoughts – and as such carries the imprint of a ‘long conversation’. The assessment, the impact, and the aftermath of John’s life and work will be in momentum for many years to come.