Prague to get a modern navigation system

See the designs of the new information boards in our gallery

On 5 April, Prague Integrated Transport revealed that the Czech capital will soon have a new navigation system that will help residents and visitors move through the city more easily. To choose the most suitable design for the system, the City of Prague launched an international competition in September last year. Now, it has announced that the Czech team, featuring graphic studio Side2, studio A69 architects and typographic studio Superior Type, submitted the best proposal.

Unifying an old and fragmented system

The city’s current navigation system reportedly has its roots in the 1970s and 80s. As such, it is now somewhat fragmented and outdated. Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Transport Adam Scheinherr commented on this, sharing that since the capital is continuously planning and developing new buildings and terminals as well as metro and tram lines, a new system is essential. More specifically, he noted that using the old system would be like “putting a compass in a new car instead of satellite navigation”.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Adam Scheinherr (Source: Adam Scheinherr on Facebook)

“I want everyone to always find information about their journey easily and not get lost unnecessarily. This happens, for example, when looking for the right exit from the metro at complicated transfer points. […] The more transport options we offer in public transport, the clearer they must be. The basis is clarity, good visibility, and up-to-date information. In terms of quality and design, Prague can finally be compared to world capitals such as New York and London,” Scheinherr explained.

Are information boards still necessary?

IPR acknowledges that many people may think that there is no need for navigation systems in the 21^st century as everyone can check directions and locations on their smartphones. However, according to IPR’s Director Ondřej Boháč, experience in other countries has confirmed that while one may indeed use their smart devices, they use the cities’ information boards to ensure that they are in fact going in the right direction.

The capital will test out the new system this summer. After this, it will ask citizens for their feedback at the end of the year before officially beginning its installation in 2023.