Differentiation of neighbourhood changes in Prague inner city and their consequences for long-term residents

Co-researchers

RNDr. Petra Špačková, Ph.D. (supervisor)
Mgr. Marie Horňáková

Introduction

Prague inner city has been undergoing renewal through processes of selective revitalization, commercialization and traces of gentrification resulting in increasing residential attractiveness of some localities. However selective nature of the revitalization processes coupled with ongoing stagnation and concentration of residents with lower social status in other areas has led to fragmentation of the spatial structures in the inner city. Substantial socio-spatial differentiation may result in conflicts among contrasting functions and urban dwellers with diverse lifestyles and consumption preferences and lead to displacement of various residential groups.

The proposed project aims to analyse the transformation of Prague inner city and consequences of the changes for long-term residents of selected districts. Firstly, the project provides a systematic analysis of neighbourhoods’ changes in the Prague inner city. Secondly, perception and consequences of these changes for residents are analysed in localities undergoing various forms of intensive physical, functional and social transformation. The project focuses on long-term residents who may find it difficult to deal with the neighbourhood transformation a may be prone to various forms of displacement. The selected groups include low-income residents, seniors, families with dependent children, rental housing tenants and residents who have recently moved out of the neighbourhoods.