Prague’s historic center has long struggled with the impact of sightseeing transport that many residents see as intrusive.

Flashing rickshaws, noisy electric trikes, and horse-drawn carriages often clash with the atmosphere of narrow streets and protected monuments.

A new student project now suggests a different direction—one that focuses on calm movement, clear design, and respect for the city.

Senior students from the Industrial Design Studio at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM) were asked to create a contemporary sightseeing vehicle that could serve as a credible alternative to what currently circulates through the city center.

The goal was not to produce a novelty, but to explore transport that fits naturally into Prague’s urban and cultural setting.

Students also had to consider comfort, functionality, and how such vehicles would operate in a dense historic environment. Each design was required to accommodate at least three passengers and to work as a realistic form of urban transport rather than a spectacle.

The resulting concepts vary in form and purpose. One proposal reimagines sightseeing as a slow-moving mobile café, combining city exploration with a curated food experience. Others focus on compact, autonomous vehicles designed for up to five passengers, offering quiet operation and minimal visual impact.

Large glass surfaces are a shared feature across many of the designs. The emphasis on open views allows passengers to experience Prague’s architecture without obstruction, while reinforcing a sense of calm rather than entertainment-driven transport.

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