Designing Bata Society: a Case Study of Zlín
Y. Zhong (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
I Nevzgodin – Mentor (TU Delft - Heritage & Values)
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Abstract
Zlín, located in the east part of the Czech Republic, is a historical industrial town. The development of this modern city has a deep connection with Bata shoe company and its social scheme. The company has been known for its shoe production and the urban and architectural values from its pioneer and utopian town planning and its variant modules of building design. Inspired by English urban planner. Ebenezer Howard, Tomáš and several architects tried to achieve a modern living environment in Zlín by combining the aspects of country living with the conveniences of city life. One of Tomáš’ principles is “build collectively, live individually”; at a certain level, he realised his vision. Thousands of free-standing family housing were placed among the sizeable green land around the early 20s to late 30s for the Bata employees and their families. This thesis aims to emphasise the perspective of workers who work and live under the Bata system. The analysis of urban planning and architectural design in Bata’s factory town vividly reveals the life story of the working class on the land of Zlín, at the same time demonstrating how design as a medium helps to affect and shape the culture, society and even individual mentality.