The Image of Royal Łazienki Park Perceived by the Inhabitants of Warsaw

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the article was the analysis of the ways how people use space of
the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw – which places are their favorite and which tracks
do they follow the most enthusiastically of all? The paper concerns the results of the

ethnography entitled: “Royal Łazienki Park. Urban space in the users’ narratives and
practices”.
Research Method. The fi eld research was conducted from 2012 to 2013 in the area of
the Royal Łazienki Park. Author used the methods: anthropological interview, participant
observation and research diary. The research questions were: How people spend
their time in Park? Why the Łazienki Królewskie Park plays an important role for the
inhabitants in Warsaw? Author considers the concept of mental maps by Kevin Lynch
(distinguishing: paths, nodes, landmarks, districts and edges), but also the other ideas of
space and places (central place, signifi cant place, lieu de momoire, empty spaces).
Results. The results of the conducted qualitative research are presented in contrast
to the image of Royal Łazienki Park presented in some of the earlier quantitative polls.
In eff ect, the usage of the Park is shown in original contexts presented by the users.
Outcome. Users’ perspective refl ects an involved att itude of people, which are creating
quite new meanings of the space they use, basing on their own private experiences.
It gives a possibility to create appropriable map of the Park – alternative to the
offi cial one, which is being presented by the manager of the cultural institution.