What if society could move past traditional “gray infrastructure” approaches - like seawalls and prisons - to address problems such as climate change, terrorism, and crime? We’re thrilled to announce that Professor Lisa Gibbs will be in conversation with Professor Daniel Aldrich to discuss his new book, Beyond Common Ground. 

In this timely discussion, Professors Gibbs and Aldrich will explore how communities navigate risk, recovery, and resilience in the face of increasing disasters and social disruption. Drawing on deep research and real‑world experience, the conversation will challenge conventional thinking and offer fresh insights into what truly strengthens communities before and after crisis.

Launching his new book Beyond Common Ground, Daniel P. Aldrich argues that social infrastructure - physical and virtual spaces including parks, libraries, and radio programs - offers a more effective alternative by fostering coproduction and multiple benefits.

Drawing on qualitative and quantitative evidence from nine countries across Africa, Asia, and North America, this book demonstrates how these systems build social capital and resilience - and proposes practical policies for implementation. Case studies show that facilities in Japan, such as the elder-led Ibasho center, reduced mortality during the 2011 tsunami and accelerated recovery. Greening initiatives in Philadelphia mitigated crime, while radio countered extremist recruitment in the Sahel. Beyond Common Ground positions social infrastructure as a “polysolution” for our interconnected crises, urging society to stop treating it as a Cinderella service and prioritise equitable distribution.