The palaces for the people : how to build a more equal and united society

How can we bring people together? [Here], Eric Klinenberg presents a simple but transformative idea for health, happiness, safety and healing our divided, unequal society. Too often we take for granted and neglect our libraries, parks, markets, schools, playgrounds, gardens and communal spaces, but decades of research now shows that these places can have an extraordinary effect on our health and wellbeing and that of society as a whole. Why? Because wherever people cross paths and linger, wherever we gather informally, strike up a conversation and get to know one another, relationships blossom and communities emerge - and where communities are strong, people are safer and more stimulated and lead happier, more active lives. Through uplifting human stories, [the book] shows that, properly designed and maintained, this `social infrastructure' demonstrably increases health, reduces crime, fosters tolerance and stability and, in emergencies, saves lives - more efficiently than any single other strategy yet devised."--Book flap