Prague’s citizens can add furniture to vacant areas to revitalise public spaces

One can apply to take part in the Prague Chairs and Tables project until 20 January

When talking about cities, people often point to the tourist attractions that make them unique. While it is true that it is these attractions that make a city special, one must not overlook the importance and impact of public spaces. 

Visitors often form strong impressions of cities based on the quality of their public spaces. Taking a case in point, one may be left with negative impressions if a city’s squares and streets evoke a sense of coldness or insecurity – even if it does have exceptional tourist offers. 

Understanding this, the Czech capital is filling in its urban gaps with people and life. More specifically, it has launched the seventh season of its Prague Chairs and Tables project to promote community ties, strengthen human relationships, and revitalise its streets and squares.

A small project with a huge impact

Under this project, Prague’s residents and institutions have the chance to place chairs and tables in an empty space of their choice. In other words, they are encouraged to pinpoint locations that are vacant or lifeless and help rejuvenate them. 

First established in 2016, the Prague Chairs and Tables project has gained popularity and received positive feedback over the past several years. In 2021, the black chairs and tables were placed in a record 86 places in parks, squares, streets, and cultural or community areas.   

Coordinator Kristýna Kočová from Kreativní Praha, the organisation directing the project, spoke to TheMayor.EU and explained the idea behind it:

“Prague’s chairs and tables are an example of a small-scale project with a big impact. Placing this furniture in places where there is no seating helps to create the place itself and attract life and culture to it.”

Those who wish to have urban furniture in a specific location can fill out an application on kreativnipraha.eu until 20 January. Residents and institutions must ask for a minimum of 9 chairs and 3 tables to which they will have to provide free all-day public access. 

To view photographs from previous seasons, see the gallery above.