Chelsea Kim’s residency in Prague began with the statement, "But cycling in Prague doesn’t make sense!" Rather than promoting cycling’s typical benefits, she focused on a critical barrier: inadequate infrastructure. Inspired by AutoMat’s research identifying problematic cycling routes, Chelsea envisioned an interactive installation where participants could experience these challenges firsthand by pedalling a stationary bike, visualising the difficulties cyclists face.

Visualising Data on Prague's Problematic Routes
Chelsea's project started with an analysis of over 250 challenging streets identified by AutoMat. Using TouchDesigner, she mapped these routes as particles on a Prague map, which displayed random segments when the bike was stationary. As participants pedalled, a magnet on the wheel triggered the particles to intensify, simulating the escalating turbulence of navigating difficult routes. Chelsea balanced the visual impact, depicting Prague's chaotic cycling conditions without overwhelming the user. 

  Impact and Reflections

Chelsea’s installation merged art, data, and social issues to prompt public dialogue. By translating survey data into an accessible, interactive experience, she highlighted Prague’s infrastructure challenges and encouraged reflection. Though her residency concluded, Chelsea hopes to return to a more bike-friendly Prague and remains inspired to use interactive art as a bridge between complex data and public awareness.

Thanks to: Czech Centres, Goethe-Institut, Czechia, MeetFactory and AutoMat

About Chelsea Kim: Chelsea Kim (@celzi.kim) has a background in design and began her career as a graphic designer. Shifting her focus to technology-driven visuals, she now explores how light and generative imagery can act as active agents to shape and redefine spaces. Her installations and digital artworks aim to encourage interaction and dialogue within diverse audiences.

Chelsea Kim’s work is driven by her curiosity about the complex relationship between humans and their surroundings. She constantly reflects on the factors that shape us into the individuals we are today and explores the multifaceted relationship between our environment and our personal development, believing that a deeper look into this fundamental question leads to a profound understanding of the human experience.