Andrew Benesh’s Reviews > Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life > Status Update

Done! The rest is footnotes! The conclusion's critique of tech industry philanthropists was well grounded, but I wish the piece on civic engagement was more practical. I'm going to have to give real thought to how best to use this knowledge.

I appreciated the depth of the discussion of historical racism in pools, and it's attempts to circumvent desegregation laws. I wish there been more time on the "how" of building community groups that join rather than reinforce schisms.

I really enjoyed this chapter's attention to human needs across the lifespan, and how effective infrastructure can meet these. I frequently see complaints about how kids spend all day attached to screens, with willful ignorance of the lack of safe and engaging alternative spaces. The benefits to seniors in reducing social isolation and physical decline are profound.

I love the author's love of libraries. I wish we'd gotten more on designing schools and colleges to foster greater connection, and appreciated the critique of fraternities as hazards to larger social infrastructure. I felt like the treatment of Minerva was waffling; the author clearly sees the problems but feels caught up in the romance and privilege of it.

The analysis of the potential for well designed spaces to reduce crime and violence is fascinating. Why are we not using this sort of evidence based policy more often?

The chapter on libraries was brilliantly written, and had me questioning why we aren't using libraries to provide mental health and social support services to the community. Needless to say I have some calls to make in the morning.

A strong introduction that makes a compelling case for the need to examine social infrastructure development. I appreciate the authors use of the Chicago example, and attempts to bridge political divides. The recognition of failed efforts is important, add is the need for public investment rather than reliance on private charity.