Geografie 2007, 112, 250-265

https://doi.org/10.37040/geografie2007112030250

Prague brownfields: Opportunity and threat for the development of the metropolis

Ivana Sýkorová

Katedra sociální geografie a regionálního rozvoje, Přírodovědecká fakulta Univerzity Karlovy, Albertov 6, 128 43 Praha 2, Czechia

Brownfields belong to the major urban problems in Czechia. These derelict areas are characterized by decayed, abandoned buildings and sometimes by contaminated land. This article provides an analysis of brownfields in Prague. First, I introduce brownfields as declining areas that have at the same time a great growth potential for the city development. Second, I present the main characteristics of Prague brownfields based on findings from a field survey conducted in 2005-6. The paper concludes by a brief summary and assessment of advantages and drawbacks of brownfields existence and of their potential regeneration for the contemporary urban development in Prague. The capital city of Prague has not suffered as much as other cities and regions in the Czech Republic due to its different structure of economy, its position as the national control and command centre and a gateway linking the country with the world economy.

Funding

Příspěvek vznikl za podpory Grantové agentury Univerzity Karlovy z projektu č. 4/2006/R "Růst a úpadek metropole: suburbanizace a revitalizace brownfields" a z projektu č. 256/2005/B-GEO/PřF "Revitalizace brownfields v Praze: potenciál a možnosti využití strukturálních fondů EU".