Uploaded on 2017-02-21 by Ilja Panic

The image shows a part of Náměstí Míru in Prague, Czech Republic. Náměstí Míru is one of the major squares in the inner city – the square is an important public transport hub (underground, tram, bus) and functions as a central node for the city district of Vinohrady. More specifically, the picture shows a part of the square visible from the stairs of St. Ludmila church, which is an important local landmark that serves as meeting spot for the locals and as a tourist attraction for visitors. 1. Visible information - lively pedestrian traffic - a person standing (waiting for someone or looking at the church?) - a person reading on the stairs - car traffic in the background - metal poles - trees and green patches 2. Invisible information The metal poles indicate that the square is not accessible for cars. We can assume from the picture that the area immediately in front of the church can be accessed by a car, but due to the lack of cars and traffic we can assume that access to this part is also restricted only for limited use. “Invisible benches” - the square clearly serves an important meeting and hang out spot, however we can't see any places to sit. This can indicate several things: - an utter disregard for public good from the side of city planners - a concern for public safety and image of the space (benches may attract idling crowd such as vagabonds or homeless) - the square has recently been used to host and event or gathering 3. Suggestion for a more livable urban space The poles that run throught the middle of the square create an artificial barrier and split the square at its most central part. It is clear that the access for cars is only very limited and could easily be moved to the side of the square - thus removing the need for the poles, creating a feeling of a more unified whole and opening up the central space of the square that can be further utilized to create a seating area, a focal point (e.g. fontana, statue) or a minimalistic playground.