After decades of nationalization under the communists, the Czech economy rapidly privatized
in the 1990s and is now a day’s one of the most industrialized city in Europe, with
mining, manufacturing, and constructing all important parts of the economy. The
industrialization though also has its downside. Serious environmental problems in many parts
of the country are one of the results. Prague is currently facing a tremendous air pollution
problem due to the numerous factories settled in the city.
The Czech Republic´s Capital has an area of 496 km². Its inhabitants rise up to about 1.2
million which makes the population density of Prague about 2419/km².
Prague’s population has drastically increased since the 19th century. The number has
multiplied by more than 5 times! The city’s population has declined since the end of
Communism. The high financial burden on families to raise children and to offer them a good
education as well as new career and job opportunities have led to a drastic drop in birth rates.
The Government’s restrictions on migrants were abolished in 1989 and since then migrants -
mostly from the Balkan countries - travelled into the Czech Republic. It is estimated that
there are about 68000 foreigners living in Prague with valuable permits.
The majority of inhabitants are of course Czech but a small German community is also
noticeable in this great city. Most of them came during WWII but over 3000 were expelled
from Prague and the Czech Republic in total.
The dominant religions in the capital city are Roman Catholic (39.2%), Protestant (4.2%),
Orthodox (3%) and the rest add up to 13.4%. The remaining people are non-religious.
The main function of Prague in the old days was transportation. Yet there were large
deposits of coal, iron and lead around Prague. The Bohemian Forest also offered a distinct
source of lumber which could be used as building material, for production services and as a
heating option. These supplies made this city a place which could easily be expanded and
improved.
At present, Prague’s functions have changed. The main function of Prague is in the
tourism sector. There are more than 1.5 million tourists visiting the “City of a hundred Spires”
each year. The city was not bombed during the war and many old buildings are still in their
original style and make. In addition the very narrow streets in the old center offer a wide
range of cultural and culinary delights. The expression of being a true “Bohemian” applies to
the artistic and cultural affluence one is faced with at every corner of this city. But apart from
theatre, music and art the more tangible products made of metal like machinery including
aircraft engines, cars, diesel engines, tools, and electronics are also vital for the city´s
development. Prague also produces vast amounts of beer, chemicals and processed foods.
I think that Prague fits best to Burgess’s Model because this model is fitted for old existing
cities all around the world which originated many hundred years ago. The comparison clearly
shows that Prague is almost identical to the model created by Burgess. Since the green belt is
around the city and the commuter zones as well, I think that Burgess’s creation fits better than
Hoyt’s, Waugh’s and the one from Harris & Ullmann.
Red: CBD
Yellow: Residential Area
Green: Industrial Area
Blue: Growth Points
The street patterns in the above picture (enlargement of the CBD) portray that Prague was
spreading outwards from the towns centre and that there was absolutely no planning whilst
constructing the streets. The houses are very much cramped together which suggest a lack of
space. It is also noticeable that the towns centre is situated only a couple of metres from the
Vltava.
Prague is currently facing problems which are also occurring in other eastern countries;
lack of housing and space. Nevertheless, there is also a social problem which is in process
since Prague´s “Velvet Revolution” when the Communists were forced out of power. There
has been a dramatic rise in crime and pornography as well as prostitution in the last 10 years.
The main tourist attractions are:
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(Staré Město) with its
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The
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The picturesque
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(Nové město) with its busy and historic
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(Lesser Quarter)
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(the largest castle in the world) with its
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(the old Jewish quarter) with and
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The
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The museum of in the crypt of the
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castle
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, an observation tower on Petřín hill, which is nearly a 1:5 copy of the
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which is probably the busiest part of the city with a super modern shopping mall and architecture
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with observation deck
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The New Jewish Cemetery in Olšany, location of 's grave
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The , a giant, functional metronome that looms over the city
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The (Fred and Ginger Building)
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The Mucha Museum, showcasing the works of
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Places connected to writers living in the city, such as (One popular destination is the Franz Kafka museum)
[SOURCE 1]
The architecture in Prague is extremely remarkable since the houses suffered only little
damage from the bombing in WWII.
To get around the city, the Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy (The Capital City of Prague
Transport Company) has built a public transport infrastructure. There is a metro, trams and
buses which lead you all across the city. The public transport also leads to the outer suburbs
of Prague making life easier for commuters.
Overall I find Prague a very lovely city despite the air pollution. The marvellous architecture
which defers on every building is just stunning and gives you the impression that there must
have been a myriad of architects designing this city. Due to the public transport being stable
and well kept, the elderly do not have to walk long distances but instead they can take trams,
buses or the metro to arrive safely at their destination.
The living standard is very high and life expectancy ranges up to 73 years for men and 76 for
women.
I recommend this city to everybody for it offers opportunities and attraction for people of all
nations, cultures and traditions. One can enjoy all genres of the artistic scale as well as
beautiful sightseeing, nature and - last but not least – the excellent cuisine.
INTERNET:
BOOKS:
Pistolesi, Andrea. Art and History of PRAGUE. Milan, Bonechi ©1996
OTHER:
Google Earth 2006 ©, NASA. City: Prague
Tschechisches Zentrum. Herrengasse 17. 1010 Wien, Österreich