The assignment was to design an artistic intervention with the aim of cultivating the public space, strengthening its identity, and reflecting on the historical significance of the site. Náměstí Práce represents an important urban artery – a route connecting the city with the factory complex, which had a fundamental influence on the functioning of Zlín, its development, and transportation.
In my proposal, I work with the motif of organic lines that symbolically connect two different worlds – the industrial complex and the city. The main element is the shape of a curve, which gradually transforms according to the character of the space. In the industrial part, the line is more direct and sharper, evoking the everyday journey to work, movement, and a sense of urgency. In contrast, in the urban part, the curve becomes more relaxed and organic, similar to a walk through the city during free time, when there is no need to hurry. Through these lines, I aim to express the different atmospheres and rhythms of both environments.
Baťa – shoes – footprints – people – artery – movement – connection – flow
industrial complex / city
Another important element of the design is the motif of footprints. I perceive them as traces of history – reminders of the workers who passed through this place every day, but also as personal traces left by every person who walks through the space today. The footprints emerge from the walls and gradually continue onto the ground, creating a symbolic connection between the past and the present.
The motif of footprints also refers to the identity of Zlín and the legacy of Tomáš Baťa. For me, the shoe and its imprint represent a symbol of Baťa’s influence on the city and his long-lasting impact. In the design, I work with two types of footprints – urban and workers’ footprints – which symbolize the connection between two different worlds.
The colour palette is based on the traditional colours of the city of Zlín – yellow and blue, which have long been part of its identity. Yellow is used as a symbol of success, prosperity, and prestige, referring to Zlín as an important industrial centre. Blue, on the other hand, represents calmness, stability, reliability, and trust. Through the combination of these colours, I aim to support the connection between the city’s history, its industrial heritage, and contemporary life.
