Prague installs flood-resistant benches on Náplavka embankment
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City officials in Prague, Czechia, are installing new benches along the Náplavka embankment beside the Vltava river.
The project will add 69 oak seating elements to Rašínovo nábřeží, including two larger picnic areas designed to encourage social interaction. Designers anchored the benches with steel supports and concrete foundations to protect them from the periodic floods that affect the riverside area.
The installation follows a long planning process that began with a feasibility study in 2014 and included an 8.5-year experiment testing different wood types and anchoring methods. Oak proved the most durable and cost-effective material, sourced from the Orlice region of eastern Czechia. Trade Centre Praha, the city-owned organization managing the riverbanks, chose wood for its comfort and historic feel. They aimed to create diverse seating options beyond simple bench rows, offering spaces for both short rests and longer gatherings.
The CZK 4.12 million project is expected to be completed by October 15 and came in approximately 8 percent under the initial budget.
