How Infrastructure Works: Inside the Systems That Shape Our World

Name: How Infrastructure Works: Inside the Systems That Shape Our World
Price: 29.00 USD
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$29.00

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Book Synopsis: A new way of seeing the essential systems hidden inside our walls, under our streets, and all around us Infrastructure is a marvel, meeting our basic needs and enabling lives of astounding ease and productivity that would have been unimaginable just a century ago. It is the physical manifestation of our social contract—of our ability to work collectively for the public good—and it consists of the most complex and vast technological systems ever created by humans. A soaring bridge is an obvious infrastructural feat, but so are the mostly hidden reservoirs, transformers, sewers, cables, and pipes that deliver water, energy, and information to wherever we need it. When these systems work well, they hide in plain sight. Engineer and materials scientist Deb Chachra takes readers on a fascinating tour of these essential utilities, revealing how they work, what it takes to keep them running, just how much we rely on them—but also whom they work well for, and who pays the costs. Across the U.S. and elsewhere, these systems are suffering from systemic neglect and the effects of climate change, becoming unavoidably visible when they break down. Communities that are already marginalized often bear the brunt of these failures. But Chachra maps out a path for transforming and rebuilding our shared infrastructure to be not just functional but also equitable, resilient, and sustainable. The cost of not being able to rely on these systems is unthinkably high. We need to learn how to see them—and fix them, together—before it’s too late.

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Discover the hidden marvels of our modern world with the captivating book, "How Infrastructure Works: Inside the Systems That Shape Our World." From the bridges that span majestic landscapes to the intricate network of reservoirs, sewers, and cables that power our daily lives, this book unveils the complex and awe-inspiring technological systems that make our society function seamlessly. With its emphasis on the interconnectedness of these systems, this book sheds light on how we can collectively work towards the public good.

Engineer and materials scientist Deb Chachra takes you on a fascinating journey, revealing the inner workings of these vital utilities and the efforts required to maintain their flawless operation. You'll gain a profound understanding of just how reliant we are on these systems for our basic needs, such as water, energy, and information delivery. But it doesn't stop there. Chachra also delves into why some of these systems favor certain communities over others and explores the costs associated with their maintenance.

This book goes beyond a mere exploration of infrastructure; it uncovers the consequences of systemic neglect and the impact of climate change on these critical systems. From coast to coast, communities are grappling with the repercussions of infrastructure collapse, with marginalized communities often suffering the most. However, "How Infrastructure Works" doesn't stop at highlighting the problems; it offers a roadmap for transforming and rebuilding our shared infrastructure. It advocates for functionality, equity, resilience, and sustainability – crucial aspects that go hand in hand with progress.

The price we pay for failing infrastructure is exorbitant, both in economic and societal terms. Therefore, it's imperative that we educate ourselves on these systems and take action to repair them before it's too late. Join us on this enlightening journey of discovery and become part of the solution. Get your copy of "How Infrastructure Works: Inside the Systems That Shape Our World" today!

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