I am in the early stages of writing a book about the idea of the local and the associated agenda of localism. The book will be a mixture of travelogue, memoir, and thinking alongside others about what the local can offer in a range of global contexts – a range of “locals”. The title I am working with is
I hope this message finds you well. I am currently studying for an MA in Interior and Spatial Design, and your work on mobility and spatial theory has been a foundational influence on my research. My project focuses on the experiences and identity of neo-nomads within non-places, particularly through creative design interventions aimed at transforming these spaces into “Thirdspace.” In doing so, I hope to bring attention to the unique psychological needs and challenges faced by mobile populations in contemporary society. Your insights in Mobilizing Place, Placing Mobility have profoundly shaped my understanding, especially in exploring the complex relationships between space and mobility.
During my research process, I have encountered fundamental differences in perspective with my tutor, particularly regarding the significance and very existence of neo-nomads as a distinct population. With just two weeks before the project’s submission, my tutor questioned whether neo-nomads could be considered a legitimate group and viewed their mobility as simply a lifestyle choice. He also suggested shifting my focus toward forcibly displaced groups, arguing that their circumstances are more urgent. Although my tutor has been supportive, this late questioning of neo-nomadism as a legitimate area of study has presented a challenge and considerable time constraints for me.
Despite these obstacles, I am convinced that neo-nomads represent a unique and understudied segment of society whose marginalization and struggles reveal crucial insights into the dynamics between mobility and place. I am concerned that categorizing neo-nomadism as a “non-urgent” issue will continue to render this group invisible, potentially oversimplifying the multifaceted nature of mobility. With this in mind, I am reaching out to seek your guidance on articulating the importance of neo-nomads within academic discourse and positioning this research within mainstream mobility studies.
On a personal note, your own neo-nomadic experiences resonate deeply with me. Before turning 18, I had never lived in one place for more than six years, with some stays lasting less than a year. As an international student, I now find myself continuously moving between London and my home, rarely staying in one place for more than four months. This transitory lifestyle has shaped much of my identity and profoundly connects me with the themes in your work.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration, and I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations that could help guide my research.
Prof. Tim, as always I love your deeply reflective tone on matters related to place and mobilities. I felt I could relate to your experiences of being mobile and the relationship with the local. I lived in the Middle East for the first 20 years of my life, but my studies, food, culture was extremely influenced by the place/identity/culture I belong to. Now, I live in North America, and I often go find looking for those 'local' in a global city. it's often interesting to see how our locals can find place in the global and vice-versa. Keep writing!
I was excited to read that Yi-Fu Tuan was your PhD supervisor. What an honour!
And I look forward to your new book, Tim. In my adulthood I, through choice, have not lived in any place for more than seven years... and I often wonder where this need to be 'on the move' comes from. I feel like I've only ever scraped the surface of what 'local' means in everyday life.
You and Pico are closer in thinking than you might realize. His later work is more internally directed and mindful that paradise and contentment can be had through a local or hyperlocal journey. Have you spoken with him?
He was just in England but stateside and off to Japan shortly. He’s got a new book coming and I suspect he’ll be in the UK around that. Or Zoom perhaps?
Dear Professor Cresswell,
I hope this message finds you well. I am currently studying for an MA in Interior and Spatial Design, and your work on mobility and spatial theory has been a foundational influence on my research. My project focuses on the experiences and identity of neo-nomads within non-places, particularly through creative design interventions aimed at transforming these spaces into “Thirdspace.” In doing so, I hope to bring attention to the unique psychological needs and challenges faced by mobile populations in contemporary society. Your insights in Mobilizing Place, Placing Mobility have profoundly shaped my understanding, especially in exploring the complex relationships between space and mobility.
During my research process, I have encountered fundamental differences in perspective with my tutor, particularly regarding the significance and very existence of neo-nomads as a distinct population. With just two weeks before the project’s submission, my tutor questioned whether neo-nomads could be considered a legitimate group and viewed their mobility as simply a lifestyle choice. He also suggested shifting my focus toward forcibly displaced groups, arguing that their circumstances are more urgent. Although my tutor has been supportive, this late questioning of neo-nomadism as a legitimate area of study has presented a challenge and considerable time constraints for me.
Despite these obstacles, I am convinced that neo-nomads represent a unique and understudied segment of society whose marginalization and struggles reveal crucial insights into the dynamics between mobility and place. I am concerned that categorizing neo-nomadism as a “non-urgent” issue will continue to render this group invisible, potentially oversimplifying the multifaceted nature of mobility. With this in mind, I am reaching out to seek your guidance on articulating the importance of neo-nomads within academic discourse and positioning this research within mainstream mobility studies.
On a personal note, your own neo-nomadic experiences resonate deeply with me. Before turning 18, I had never lived in one place for more than six years, with some stays lasting less than a year. As an international student, I now find myself continuously moving between London and my home, rarely staying in one place for more than four months. This transitory lifestyle has shaped much of my identity and profoundly connects me with the themes in your work.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration, and I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations that could help guide my research.
Warm regards,
R Cheng
Prof. Tim, as always I love your deeply reflective tone on matters related to place and mobilities. I felt I could relate to your experiences of being mobile and the relationship with the local. I lived in the Middle East for the first 20 years of my life, but my studies, food, culture was extremely influenced by the place/identity/culture I belong to. Now, I live in North America, and I often go find looking for those 'local' in a global city. it's often interesting to see how our locals can find place in the global and vice-versa. Keep writing!
I was excited to read that Yi-Fu Tuan was your PhD supervisor. What an honour!
And I look forward to your new book, Tim. In my adulthood I, through choice, have not lived in any place for more than seven years... and I often wonder where this need to be 'on the move' comes from. I feel like I've only ever scraped the surface of what 'local' means in everyday life.
You and Pico are closer in thinking than you might realize. His later work is more internally directed and mindful that paradise and contentment can be had through a local or hyperlocal journey. Have you spoken with him?
I will certainly look into more of his work Chuck. No, I have not met him but would certainly love to share a coffee!
He was just in England but stateside and off to Japan shortly. He’s got a new book coming and I suspect he’ll be in the UK around that. Or Zoom perhaps?