CAMP Tour: Živé vnitrobloky

Visiting two private courtyards in Prague 3 with CAMP Tour.

The green yards breathe for the big city. Participants will discover oases that improve air quality, promote biodiversity and create a pleasant environment for residents. They will travel to Prague 3, where they will visit two normally inaccessible courtyards. They will be guided by Barbora Týcová from the Bieno association, Karel Světlík, coordinator of participatory planning in Prague 3, and the local drivers behind the transformation of these spaces. Thanks to their interventions, the courtyards are coming alive with greenery and activities, which helps to build neighbourhood relations and improve the quality of living.

The courtyard block in Hořanská Street, belonging to a century-old pavilion house managed by the SVJ, underwent reconstruction about 12 years ago. Students from the horticultural school helped the residents with the design of the garden, and the area has been successfully developed since then, with the planting of trees, shrubs and perennials continuing steadily. The courtyard is green and cool on hot days, with rainwater collected in tanks near the facade and used for watering. The maintenance is self-supporting - but people come here not only to work, but also to relax, sunbathe and let the children play. Several times a year the place comes alive with small neighbourhood events.

The inner block on Žižkov Square is managed by the SVJ and consists of two lower separate paved yards and the main upper plot. The latter is slightly sloping, with mature trees and other greenery, partial cultivation and composting. However, the residents were not happy with the overall situation and agreed to change it together. In cooperation with the Bieno association, a restoration process has begun. After a participatory meeting of the residents, a successful self-help brigade took place and a conceptual design of the whole area was prepared and is being implemented in 2024.