05 / Project
Common Ground
A community platform for discovering local cultural events.
2025 · Software Engineer · Web Application
Overview
Common Ground is a local calendar for culture that still happens in rooms — readings, recitals, small exhibitions, neighbourhood programmes. It is built to be read like a listings page from a serious magazine, not a ticket marketplace.
The Problem
City event discovery had collapsed into advertising and social feeds. Independent organisers could not be found unless they paid to be seen. Residents who wanted a quieter picture of what was happening nearby had no durable place to look.
The Approach
Events are listed by week and neighbourhood, with editorial restraint: title, place, time, a short description. Organisers submit through a simple form with human review. There are no rankings for sale. Maps exist, but the list remains the primary object.
Implementation
A Next.js site is generated from PostgreSQL, with Redis for short-lived calendar caches around busy weekends. Submissions enter a moderation queue. Geographic search uses indexed coordinates without exposing more location precision than an event requires. Email alerts are optional and infrequent.
Outcome
Small programmes became findable without a marketing budget. Readers can scan a week of local culture in a few minutes, and organisers have a public record that does not expire with a social post.
Technology
Next.js · TypeScript · PostgreSQL · Redis
