The transformations of monofunctional residential neighbourhoods into livable spaces.
I. GENESIS
The genesis of the Vybíralka 25 Project in Prague stems from a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing the urban fabric of Prague’s residential areas. This initiative is part of a broader pilot project focused on rejuvenating the city’s housing estates, driven by the need to address physical and social degradation within these communities.
The project’s nucleus is the Vybíralova inner block located in the eastern sector of Černý Most. This block embodies quintessential characteristics of housing estate development, serving as a microcosm of the challenges these areas face, such as inadequate maintenance of public spaces and a deficiency in civic amenities. The decay in these areas has resulted in a dearth of opportunities for communal engagement and leisure activities, leading to social challenges that demand urgent attention.
The choice of Vybíralova as the focal point of this initiative is founded on a series of compelling reasons. Firstly, it serves as an urban epicentre within Černý Most, consolidating most features synonymous with housing estates. Secondly, many of its public spaces fall under the administration of the City of Prague, yet complex ownership relations have hindered the effective upkeep of these areas. Consequently, the block suffers from fragmented and poorly maintained spaces, further accentuating the disconnect between this inner block and the broader residential complex.
Additionally, Vybíralova typifies the challenges many Prague housing estates face, with a notable deficit in civic infrastructure and activities. The lack of stimuli for active community engagement, combined with neglected maintenance, has contributed to the concentration of social issues, potentially leading to the exodus of residents.
The Vybíralka 25 Project is a testament to the commitment to revitalize Prague’s housing estates by addressing both physical and social aspects. Its genesis lies in recognising the urgent need to reinvigorate these communities and foster a sense of collective pride and engagement among their residents.
II. TRIGGERS
The initiation of the Vybíralka 25 Project in Prague was instigated by several main triggers, each serving as a catalyst for the comprehensive revitalization of the urban fabric within Prague’s housing estates.
Decaying public spaces, fragmented infrastructure, and a deficit in civic amenities challenges faced by the Vybíralova inner block, reflective of broader issues in housing estates across Prague, propelled the need for a transformative intervention.
The intricate ownership relations governing most public spaces within Vybíralova posed a significant barrier to their effective maintenance. This complexity hindered adequate upkeep and contributed to the decay of these communal areas.
The absence of stimulating activities and civic amenities, the visible decline in communal engagement opportunities and the lack of civic programs within Vybíralova led to social demands cultivating a more vibrant community life.
There is a fact that the given locality has one of the largest concentrations of social housing within the city—that is why the project was pilot-tested right here.
The security point of view is solved in the project primarily by attracting more residents to the public space. In the sense of eyes on the street — according to Jane Jacobs. The proposal aims at greater inclusivity by improving the quality and clarity of public spaces.
It is necessary to emphasize that the given project is not the only one that is planned in the wider area. A number of measures are currently in place to improve the overall quality of life in a given part of the city. Apart from the Vybíralova project, it is possible to mention, for example, the change in the character of Chlumecká Street and its surroundings, the rebuilding of the Černý Most bus terminal, or high-quality municipal housing projects being prepared by PDS (Prague Development Company).
The proactive involvement and readiness exhibited by various local stakeholders, including the Prague 14 district’s cultural center, Plechárna, alongside non-profit organizations like Jahoda and Anthropictures, provided a critical impetus for action. Their commitment to active participation laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts in the project.
The enthusiastic backing from the local administration, notably Prague 14, further propelled the project. This support and a strategic alignment with the district’s plans provided a robust foundation for the project’s success.
The pressing need to address the deteriorating conditions and social challenges Vybíralova faces underscored the urgency for revitalization. The project aimed to restore physical spaces and rejuvenate community spirit and engagement among residents, making this neighbourhood safer and more peaceful.
III. TRANSFORMATIONAL CONTEXT
The context “Transformation context” reflects the main goal of the project: to initiate positive and lasting transformations in Vybíralova, creating a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable public space that resonates with its residents and visitors.
The goal of the project was to understand, through practical experience, the real problems faced by today’s residents of the housing estate – poor public spaces, poor accessibility, distances, abandoned places, unmaintained places and so on. Part of the project involved extensive participation from residents. The anthropological studio Anthropictures was also involved in the project, which had previously carried out community monitoring in the territory of the Prague 14 municipal council. A mobile cafe was placed in the inner block, and suggestions were collected from local residents. A series of participatory walks with the participation of architects and biologists followed this. Issues of land permeability, maintenance of public spaces, care for greenery and traffic were addressed directly on the spot.
Projects are discussed with local residents, entrepreneurs and politicians. In this way, the district will gain a reservoir of ideas and approaches. Some can be implemented immediately and cheaply, others are of a systemic nature and will have to wait several years. All the individual interventions reinforce each other, which ensures that the developments on the estate are conceptual and interconnected.
Community Engagement and Empowerment were fundamental aspects of Vybíralka 25. The project sought to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among local residents through events, workshops, and collaborations, encouraging them to actively shape the future of their neighborhood.
Urban Revitalization and Placemaking were key focal points. The project aimed to transform the urban landscape of Vybíralova into a vibrant, connected, and culturally rich community space. It embraced initiatives that enhanced public areas, promoted social interaction, and established a distinct place identity.
Social and Cultural Transformation formed a significant part of the project’s objectives. Through events, exhibitions, and activities, Vybíralka 25 sought to trigger a cultural renaissance within the community.
An Innovative Planning Approach was embraced, departing from conventional top-down methods. Vybíralka 25 involved stakeholders, local organizations, and residents in co-creation, ensuring that the community’s needs and aspirations were integral to the planning and decision-making process.
Sustainable Development and Image Enhancement were key pillars. The project addressed sustainable development’s social, economic, and environmental aspects. It sought to enhance the locality’s image, promoting it as a desirable, livable, and socially vibrant area within Prague.
Learning and Legacy Building were integral aspects. Vybíralka 25 aimed to establish a legacy of community involvement, sustainable practices, and ongoing engagement. The lessons learned from the project were intended to inform future urban projects and community initiatives across Prague.
IV. ACTION JOURNEY
The project’s initiation focused on building a platform in collaboration with local stakeholders, civic entities, and active residents. It aimed to heighten awareness about Vybíralova, fostering a deep connection among residents through ‘placemaking’ activities. Events, public gatherings, and workshops were organized to identify existing issues gradually and encourage community involvement in the planning process.
A new kiosk, ‘kiosek_25,’ transformed from a former caravan, introduced the ‘Neposeda’ café from Plechárna. This kiosk acted as a central hub, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the block’s first inhabitants. It served as a meeting point and the focal point for celebratory events, hosting workshops, cultural gatherings, and a symbolic exhibition about the block’s history and future possibilities.
The project adopted a distinct visual identity and branding, unifying various activities under the banner of ‘Vybíralka 25.’ This branding utilized chalk-based writing and drawing styles, incorporating local symbols like laundry racks, shoe cleaners, or specific local elements, enhancing the locality’s visual narrative.
A diverse array of events and initiatives unfolded throughout the project’s initial phase. These included community clean-ups, a mobile library (‘bibliobus Oskar’), lectures on the history of the area, flea markets, storytelling sessions, guided walks, and exhibitions, all aimed at engaging and involving the community in the locality’s narrative and potential future.
Key stakeholders such as Prague 14 Cultural/Plechárna, Anthropictures, Neposeda, Jahoda, and the local municipal authority actively participated in co-creating and executing the project’s activities. The collaborative efforts reinforced community engagement and support for the project’s objectives.
V. FUTURE
The future of the Vybíralka 25 project in Prague holds promise as a catalyst for sustained community engagement and urban revitalisation. Building upon its successful inception phase, the project is poised to embark on a trajectory that integrates long-term sustainability and continued community empowerment.
The project aims to deepen its engagement with the community, transitioning from initial awareness-building activities to sustained involvement. Through ongoing workshops, participatory planning sessions, and feedback mechanisms, residents will continue actively contributing to the evolving vision for Vybíralova. The project’s future focuses on holistic revitalization, addressing the locality’s physical and social aspects. Initiatives to enhance public spaces, improve green areas, and upgrade infrastructure will be complemented by programs fostering social cohesion, cultural exchange, and inclusive activities for diverse resident groups.
Vybíralka 25 seeks to forge sustainable partnerships beyond its initial stakeholders. Collaborations with businesses, educational institutions, cultural organisations, and governmental bodies will be explored to broaden the project’s reach and diversify its impact.
As the project progresses, it aims to contribute insights to broader urban planning strategies in Prague. The successful experiences, methodologies, and lessons learned from Vybíralka 25 will serve as a model for similar initiatives across the city, fostering a more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable urban landscape.
The future of Vybíralka 25 envisions a resilient and thriving community-driven transformation, fostering a sense of place, belonging, and prosperity for all residents while setting a precedent for inclusive urban development in Prague.
ANNEX I: ADDITIONAL LINKS
https://iprpraha.cz/project/113/vybiralka-25
ANNEX II. STAKEHOLDERS
- Prague Municipal Government (Hlavní město Praha): Responsible for overseeing and facilitating the project at a municipal level, providing support and resources where necessary.
- Local Administration – Prague 14 District (Městská část Praha 14): Actively engaged in the project, providing local governance, resources, and support to ensure the project’s success.
- Cultural Center (Plechárna): Played a significant role in community engagement, organising cultural events, and acting as a hub for various community activities within Vybíralova.
- Community-Based Organizations: Various local organizations such as Jahoda, Neposeda, and Anthropictures were integral in fostering community participation, organizing events, and contributing to the project’s initiatives.
- Local Residents: Actively engaged in the revitalization process, providing feedback, participating in community events, and contributing to the vision for the project.
