Přerov invites citizens to help create a “map of happiness”

The Czech city is asking residents to pinpoint the locations that make them feel proud to live there

Last year, the residents of Přerov helped the city create a “map of fear” by pinpointing the locations that evoke negative feelings such as fright and terror. Now, it invites citizens to change their perspectives of the city and help draw a “map of happiness”. In other words, residents must identify the places that make them happy and proud to live in the Czech city.

In a press release, the municipality explains that this project is part of a university student’s research. However, the information will not only be used by the student for his diploma thesis but also by the city. Taking this further, the municipality will examine the answers of the citizens to help understand how they view the city and what it can improve.

Improving the city’s reputation

The student behind the research explained that last year’s “map of fear” made him uncomfortable as residents shared numerous negative experiences and opinions of the city. For this reason, he has now set himself the task of changing people’s pessimistic views:

“When I discussed dozens of negative experiences, emotions, and opinions with the respondents at the beginning of the spring of 2020, I was a little uncomfortable with the emerging image of the city, which was painted by the citizens themselves. That’s why, maybe a little patriotically, I wanted to set a mirror for the negatives, and even with a certain scientific objectivity to find out what the other face of Přerov looks like.”

Fill out a survey

Přerov’s residents can take part in the creation of a new, positive map by filling out a questionnaire on the municipality’s website by 15 December. In addition to pinpointing the locations that make them feel happy and proud, citizens will also have the opportunity to share what they believe needs to be improved.

Following this, the municipality will evaluate the responses and work on improving the quality of life in the city.