Public Spaces in Architecture and Building Culture Policy CR, by Karel Wirth
According to the Municipal Act, public space is defined as “all squares, streets, marketplaces, pavements, public greenery, parks, and other areas accessible to everyone without restriction, thus intended for general use, irrespective of ownership of the space in question.” The Ministry of Regional Development (MRD) supports creating and enhancing high-quality public spaces through various measures. A grant scheme under the Integrated Regional Operational Programme, through which the MRD promotes green infrastructure within public spaces, was presented in an article by RNDr. Ondřej Pešek published in Issue 1/2025 of this journal. This article will focus on the support of public spaces within the context of the Architecture and Building Culture Policy of the Czech Republic.
Practical Recommendations for Municipalities on How to Reduce Visual Pollution from Traffic Signs, by Ivana Svojtková
The Department of Regional Policy of the Ministry of Regional Development published this year, as part of the MMR PRO OBCE series, a publication intended primarily for municipal and city leadership, organizations established by them, road administrators, and other entities involved in designing public spaces connected with transport infrastructure. The text aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the traffic sign placement issue.
Environmentally Sensitive Transformation of Prague’s Rohanský Island, by Jan Šturma
This article addresses the environmentally sensitive transformation of Rohanský Island, one of the largest and most expansive post-industrial biotopes in the centre of Prague and one of the most frequently discussed development areas in the city. The article aims to compare the architectural design for the rea’s transformation by the winner of the competitive dialogue organised by the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague), keeping in mind the current ecological values of the area. The input data was obtained through targeted field-based biological mapping and analysis of the winning design. Two types of data analysis were employed: (1) spatial analysis, and (2) SWOT analyses of the current state, the winning design, and a comparison of both. The spatial analysis revealed that the existing ecological values of the area would be preserved in only a limited part of the future park. Entirely new biotopes will be established across the majority of the area. Both comparative SWOT analyses identified several key factors that would influence the ecological performance of the winning design. The potential conflict between wild nature and human activities, which could result in diminished ecological value and connectivity in the final project, as well as rendering certain proposed measures and landscape urbanism concepts ineffective, is the main one.
Public Space for Everyone: Illusion, Trend, or Reality? by Vladan Klement
This text offers a critical reflection on the concept of the “city for all” and explores its possibilities and limitations within the context of contemporary urbanism. The author focuses on the key conditions necessary for achieving an inclusive urban environment through a critical analysis of the socio-economic stratification and diversification of public spaces. The article argues that the city as a whole can effectively address a broad spectrum of inhabitants only if individual public spaces are designed with consideration for the specific needs of different social groups. It also addresses issues related to current planning practices, which frequently result in the creation of exclusive spaces and the fragmentation of communities. A case study of the redevelopment of Moravské Square in Brno is used to illustrate these theoretical considerations in practice. The text advocates for a combination of top-down and bottom-up planning approaches, emphasising the importance of actively involving residents in decision-making processes concerning public spaces. Such an approach can contribute to the formation of an urban fabric that reflects the needs of all inhabitants. Finally, the article seeks to enrich the discourse on public space by demonstrating how the barriers to genuine urban inclusion might be overcome in the cities.
The Development of Urban Public Spaces in the Context of Community Participation, by Jiří Palacký
This article addresses the development of public spaces in urban environments, with a focus on participatory approaches, ecological sustainability, and inclusivity. Public spaces are viewed as integral components of the urban landscape, facilitating social interaction, providing environmental functions, and contributing to spatial identity. The text analyses the importance of perception and user-friendliness of these spaces, highlighting the benefits of high-quality greenery, safety, and accessibility for diverse population groups. Practical examples of participatory planning in the Czech Republic are presented, along with international inspirations, including experiences with tactical urbanism. The article concludes with recommendations for effective management of public space transformation, in accordance with user needs and contemporary climate-related challenges.
Prague Is Missing World-Class Avenues, by Dominik Aleš
Avenues, or more generally main urban streets, are a key component of a city’s public space. They connect individual neighbourhoods and enable the movement of people and goods to where they are needed. They also provide the setting for much of the social and economic life that takes place in public spaces, similarly to urban squares. And finally, they also play a fundamental role in shaping the image of the city as they support our spatial orientation and understanding of urban structure, they carry identity and meanings, and they contribute significantly to our overall impression of the city.
The Revitalisation of Sergelgatan Street in Stockholm, by Irena Klingorová
For many people, the revitalisation of public space may simply mean giving it a “new coat” – providing new paving, placing modern street furniture, or, in better cases, adding some greenery. But how can revitalisation look like when a key public space also requires a boost in its function? In such cases, a new pavement or the placement of a bench is far from sufficient. These situations require a comprehensive approach, cooperation, and continuous dialogue among all stakeholders whether investors, contractors, or users of the space. A holistic revitalisation of the pedestrian Sergelgatan Street in the centre of Stockholm can provide an inspiring example.
How has Bratislava Been Creating a Children-friendly City? A Radical Transformation of a Junction in the Bratislava City Centre into a Pleasant Public Space, by Miroslava Daňová, Eva Hapčová, Ján Koľ, Petra Marko, Sandra Štasselová
Vazovova Primary School in Bratislava, attended by 624 pupils, was surrounded by an area that two-thirds of parents considered unsafe. The surroundings have undergone a significant transformation. The change of a chaotic junction took a year from temporary solutions to a permanent final design. A clearer and safer traffic situation was established between the key institutions and the school thanks to the measures implemented, along with a pleasant public space now enjoyed by the wider community. This transformation forms part of the “Children-Friendly City” project led by the Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava. The Children-Friendly City initiative focuses on increasing safety around schools in Bratislava, promoting active mobility, and engaging children, young people, and the wider public in improving their city and fostering a positive relationship with their environment. This article outlines the process of transforming the public space, from participation through tactical urbanism to a permanent final solution.
MĚSTO, REGION A PŘESHRANIČNÍ SPOLUPRÁCE
