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Cities, SI-Urban
Design: The Petřín Funicular in Prague
The Petřín Funicular operates in the Czech capital, Prague, ascending the Laurenziberg, where the Petřín Lookout Tower stands, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, surrounded by various parks and historic buildings.
Since its opening in 1891, the funicular has undergone several modernizations, and it is currently due for another revision. The focus is on two new vehicles designed by Anna Marešová.
The Petřín Funicular is Marešová’s second project for the Prague Public Transit Company (DPP), following the T3 tram. The designer secured her role through a competition.
© Anna Marešová
The goal
Recently, Marešová presented the final plans in her showroom in Prague, digitally visualized and as a 1:54 scale model.
“We wanted the new design to build upon the historical tradition of the Petřín Funicular while providing passengers with maximum comfort combined with the latest technologies,” said the designer.
Her goal was to create a sustainable, functional, and timeless aesthetic. “We chose a design that offers a maximum view during the ride and is technologically advanced. We believe it will serve people well and entertain them for at least another thirty years,” Marešová affirmed.
© Lukas Biba
Anna Marešová
Designer
“Being involved in a project as a designer from start to finish is a fulfilled dream for me. After two months of communication with the manufacturer, it became clear that our design is feasible without major interventions and changes. This personally indicates to me that I think about projects in a way that is functional, aesthetic, and manufacturable. I look forward to visiting the production,”
The journey
The design was developed in close collaboration with the cable car manufacturer DOPPELMAYR/GARAVENTA, who will realize the vehicles in approximately eleven months.
The only significant change from the original design is the replacement of seats in the rear section with backrests for technical reasons. Simultaneously, the designer allocated space in this area for the cable car’s accompanying personnel.
“I am pleased that the Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) is comprehensively addressing this project. After so many years, the funicular deserves this,” Marešová emphasized.
© Anna Marešová
The Environment
The modernized Petřín Funicular will not only consist of new vehicles. An integral part of the project is the comprehensive revision of the cable car, including the reconstruction of the entire route and the establishment of barrier-free access.
“I am pleased that we have finalized the form of the new Petřín Funicular vehicles, but there is still a lot of work ahead before passengers can ride them,” said Petr Witowski, CEO of DPP.
Accordingly, the Prague Public Transit Company is already planning to tender for the construction contractor for the route reconstruction. “However, we must wait for the legally valid building permit first,” Witowski emphasized.
© Anna Marešová
The outlook
The Outlook Witowski expects that DPP can sign the construction contract with the tender winner in the fall of 2024. Subsequently, preparatory work will take place, with the actual construction expected to begin in the spring of 2025.
“We will make every effort to maintain operations with the existing vehicles on the current route until then,” Witowski promised. The anticipated duration of the route reconstruction is one year, so the funicular on Petřín will likely not be operational during that time.
“After installing and testing the new vehicles on the reconstructed route, we expect to resume operations in the second quarter of 2026,” Witowski expressed confidence.
