Landscape in Prague: Some Observations

So over the past couple of days I have had the opportunity to visit various open spaces and parks in the city of Prague. Some observations:

1. There is no such thing as a street tree in Praha. Except for the grand boulevards and in the plaza spaces, street trees cant grow here because of the tight winding streets that would choke a tree to death.

2. Plazas are a good thing. Because the streets are so cramped, when they do open up to these intimate plazas, they are a relief of density. I dont think Old Town Square would be as grand if it werent for the streets surrounding it, you are so enclosed that by the time you get to the square, it is this big entry to open space, pretty cool sequence.

3. Hardscape is the same in the city. The city has this great paving system of 2 inch by 2 inch square granite and marble pavers that allow for private owners to put their own mark on the city's public realm in front of their property. The use of four or so different rock types allows for a seemingly infinite pattern throughout the city, but at the same time has this unifying appeal to it. Sounds like a maintenance nightmare? Probably, but it looks pretty nice when it's done right (mostly tourist areas of the city, the rest isnt maintained so well...)

4. The mix of man-made and natural works well. The main park on the hill in mala strana neighborhood has this weird mix of natural forest that has been untouched for years and strategic points where rose gardens and exhibitions sit with the backdrop of the city of prague as it's driver. I loved how this park plunged you deep into a thick forest just to thrust you out again into these amazing views of the city. This park at one time used to be vineyards and houses the summer palace as well.

Landscape is all over this city, in various forms from urban plazas to dense forests and wide open fields. It has this understated elegance to it, even in the unkept areas. These spaces allow the tourist or resident escape from the crazy winding city that intertwines below.

Cheers folks!

CDS