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Description
The voluntary association LIVING VODŇANY was founded in 2010 with the aim of reviving public life in this South Bohemian town of 7,000 and drawing inhabitants’ interest in the town and its development. Gradually, the activities of the association were limited to organizing Pecha Kucha Nights. The association is now undergoing a generational change. Our vision is to build on the activities carried out in the years 2010 to 2012 and to repeat the mapping of emotions in the town and the participatory reviving of 2 places we consider as crucial places for the socio-cultural development of the town and its tourist potential. During the implementation, we want to rely on a team combined experienced and junior members and establish effective cooperation with the town government.
LIVING (IN) ZÁTIŠÍ - There is a lack of forests in the region (source: Regional plan). We want to facilite the understanding on the part of the local populace of the forest park area (Zátiší) as a forest with all its contexts, not just as a leisure site. We’ll organize walks with experts and involve participants in the search for a future vision of Zátiší. Haiku workshops will take place, from which the Path of Poetry will emerge.
LIVING (IN THE) CELLARS - Below the town there is a large complex of cellars that are falling into disrepair. We’ll let professionals map the area. We’ll also invite private owners as part of Pecha Kucha Night. School classes will playfully look for other uses of the cellars. An image map will be created from the most voted ideas at the exhibition.
MAP OF (T)OWN EMOTIONS - We will repeat this project with schools and the public (in 2010 more than 2,000 inhabitants were involved). This will create quality and representative data for a new strategic plan for town development.
Summary of project results
Each part of the project had its own set of challenges to address:
Life in the Zátiší – This segment explored the concept of the forest park that closely adjoins the town. It examined various aspects through which this area can be viewed and sought inspiration for its further utilization.
Life in the Cellar – The objective was to map and technically assess the condition of the Vodňany cellars, which were historically known to be among the most extensive. Additionally, the project aimed to define further possibilities for their use.
Perceptual Maps – This part of the project continued from the Perceptual Maps project of 2012, aiming to map the citizens'' perception of the town and to create a foundation for a new strategic plan for the period 2025 – 2035.
Life in the Zátiší – Several walks with experts from various fields were successfully organized, providing visitors with new perspectives on this area. Additionally, a development study of this area was completed in collaboration with architects, followed by a public discussion. Last but not least, based on the workshops held, a Poetry Trail was established in this location, which is still accessible and changes over time.
Life in the Cellar – In this part of the project, a survey of the cellars was conducted to assess their technical condition. Unfortunately, it was found that the cellars were not as extensive as historical sources suggested. However, the cellars were still utilized to create an educational program for children. Based on its outputs, a guided tour program of the cellars was subsequently developed, which was very well received by the public.
Perceptual Maps – In this part of the project, we transitioned from offline to online data collection based on an agreement with the town administration. This change ensured that the outputs could be used as a basis for the strategic plan and also allowed us to gain experience with this form of data collection. Particularly noteworthy was the sample size, which was impressive for a town of our size.
Our target group includes all residents of our town, regardless of age. For this reason, our activities were directed across the entire spectrum. The involvement of children, pupils, and students was primarily in collaboration with kindergartens and elementary schools. We reached out to adults directly, as well as through our social media channels and, last but not least, through the town newsletter.
Children from elementary and kindergartens had the opportunity to visit inaccessible places in the town and engage in creative work on assigned topics thanks to the project. Their work results were also presented during town tours.
Adult residents could view their town from different perspectives and participate in shaping its current and future form throughout the project. Many realized the hidden spots in their town thanks to the project. Additionally, through the perceptual maps, they reflected on the town''s appearance and the feelings it evokes in them.