Zóna na Ovocném trhu will offer concerts and lectures on urbanism

Prague - A wooden stage and audience area brought to life with mature trees has sprung up today at the Fruit Market in Prague. As part of the multicultural project Zone, concerts, lectures, film screenings, and even cooking classes will take place here. A bit of a park and a bit of a cultural center aims to enhance the lives of locals as well as tourists.
      "We wanted to create a chill-out zone full of wood in various forms. The little trees give the place a completely different dimension, a more natural touch, people can sit here and keep their heads close to the treetops," said Marko Bogdanovič, the organizer, to ČTK.
      The Zone was built from 420 wooden pallets and two dozen live trees. The afternoon and evening program will focus on topics such as urbanism and architecture, as well as phenomena related to urban life.
      "We are planning lectures on topics like Squares and Streets as a Reflection of Societies and A World Without Money. One evening will be dedicated to Gardening in the Cities," Bogdanovič stated. Yoga sessions will take place in the square, video projections are being prepared, along with bicycle workshops, a concert by a cellist, and mass grilling. A detailed program that will last until August 3 will be further specified on Facebook.
      "Contemporary cities are becoming less pleasant places to live, and they are losing their role as meeting spots. We want to create a zone that would allow Prague residents to take a breather for a moment. We envision people being able to both enjoy peace and get to know their neighbors here," Bogdanovič mentioned. The organizers, composed of students, received support from the nonprofit organization Nonstopcity - culture in the streets and the Prague city hall.
      A similar event to revitalize the city has been running since the beginning of summer at Bethlehem Square. The Jaroslav Fragner Gallery has launched the Open Air Arena Bethlehem Square project, which will feature exhibitions, concerts, and happenings under the open sky until the end of the summer break.