The planning, maintenance, design and conservation of freely accessible public spaces such as parks, libraries, markets, schools, playgrounds and gardens is proposed as a key move in bringing about community, peace, tolerance and equality of opportunity. Klinenberg co-wrote "Modern Romance" with Aziz Ansari and was appointed by Obama to lead federal investment into social infrastructure.

Eric Klinenberg is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institute of Public Knowledge at New York University. His pioneering research into the power of social infrastructure led to his appointment in 2013 as Research Director for President Obama's $1 billion programme to rebuild the region affected by Superstorm Sandy. He is the multi-award winning author of several books including, as co-author, the recent number one bestseller Modern Romance.