Hasta La Ideas

HJC Design’s innovative concept aims to connect the city through its rich architectural heritage

Designed to embody Prague’s renowned architectural past in a decidedly modern silhouette, the new Prague taxi concept offers a look at the possible future of city transportation inspired by its historical tram network. The creative concept, dubbed Praha, was done by U.K.-based product design and manufacture consultancy HJC Design, known for combining innovative technology and striking aesthetics. Technologically speaking, the unique taxi concept features high-intensity LED lights in the front and rear and a fully-integrated augmented-reality display that allows users to select their route—including virtual city tours on a central console modeled after the floral-motif ceiling of Prague’s Great Hall.

Numerous local elements have influenced the taxi’s overall design, drawing on the city and its rich architectural history in nearly every detail. Bench seating that fits up to five adults is composed of 18 wooden strips to symbolize Prague’s 18 bridges (the LED rear lights are also bunched in clusters of 18 bulbs to reference the rivers), while the dashboard, styled after the city’s skyline, is textured with 100 individual dimples to denote the “City of 100 Spires.” The floor’s hexagonal blueprint design represents Prague University’s solar cell technology while the taxi’s fluid curvature aims to follow that of the Vltava river.

For riders more interested in the surrounding city than the augmented-reality experience inside, a glass roof offers a panoramic view of the city, something often lost in transit. The red and white color scheme is also reminiscent of the Czech Republic’s flag as well as the city’s original tram design. For more information on Praha, check out HJC Design online .