Project “Living Places” will revive Bratislava’s public spaces

Wise urban planning needs to address the needs of the residents while appealing to tourists and congress participants. They are looking for places where they can experience the city vibe as the residents do. During the current times, as the corona pandemic is slowly losing its power and events will soon be organised again, the outdoor venues will become even more attractive.

Bratislava has recently launched the project for the renewal of parks and squares that have for a long time been neglected. The project, named »Žive miesta« or »Living places«, will be primarily focused on the residents, to provide them with a pleasant and functional environment for spending their free time and to socialize. Living places are historically the first framework for the systematic change of the capital’s public space on several levels, and some of the projects will be implemented already in 2021.

The basics for all the renovations is the “Principles and Standards of the Public Space Manual”, which determine how and where to place and install benches, bicycle stands, baskets, outdoor terraces, public transport shelters,… Special attention is given to the sustainable aspects, taking into account the effects of climate changes, maintenance, and care of greenery, selection of suitable species that can cope with demanding urban conditions. While for some spaces a serious reconstruction is planned, others will get the new usability with just some simple and effective interventions. We are presenting a few of 25 projects, and we believe that some of the squares and parks might become special venues for congress participants after being renovated.

Námestie Slobody – The Freedom Square

One of the most significant squares in the Old Town of Bratislava will soon get the necessary reconstruction. The fountain will be restored, and its surfaces will become more accessible. The original design of the furniture, which completes the visual of the square, will be preserved. New greenery and tall trees will be added to make this area more pleasant.

Comenius Park

Comenius Square, located in the vicinity of the main faculties will become a public park and space, where residents and tourists will be able to relax, meet or participate in a local cultural program. The future form and needs of the park were preceded by participation with 1,200 participants, then the jury selected the best of the architectural competition proposals. The new look of the park will bring, in addition to new planting, a water element, safe lighting, or quality furniture and surfaces, above all, the possibility of more flexible use of space for various program uses. Thanks to the change of function from the parking lot to the living area, the park gained its temporary use for the needs of public discussions or exhibitions.

Trnavský mýto near the New Market Square is one of the busiest public interchanges in the city. Passengers waiting for their connections will soon get a pleasant place with benches and trees, which will make waiting, especially in the summer months, more comfortable.

Besides the squares and parks in the city centre, there are many projects for locations on the outskirts of the city, and these can also become new attractions for foreign visitors.

The view of Kamzik

The revitalization intends to create a safe, connected environment with an emphasis on its natural qualities and unique atmosphere. New footbridges will connect the starting point of the new public transport stop. We ensure the cultivation of the environment by removing visual smog, barriers, rearranging the elements, and creating a central stand for waste. We will install a new information system, furniture, and lighting. The proposal will also bring to the area a new sensitively planted multifunctional object of the prospect with the function of small refreshments, which will serve for occasional sports and cultural programs. The popular recreation area will thus create a better and safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Bratislava City Foundation has also announced a call in the area of ​​Functional Public Spaces, through which, in partnership with the Bratislava Metropolitan Institute, it will support such projects that professionally intervene in public space, lead to environmental sustainability, are socially inclusive, and build on existing community activities in Bratislava. The call is estimated to be worth 100,000 euros.

Find out more at https://mib.sk/zive-miesta/.