Tomas Bata - The Builder and Creator of Modern Zlin

Abstract

This contribution presents the personal qualities of Tomas Bata and focuses on his influence on Zlin and its development. Although he never was a builder or an architect, he managed to surround himself with professionals with the experience required. Under his leadership, the were able to create a modern city offering inhabitants a high standard of living. Bata laid the foundations to a successful symbiosis of industry and town, carried out with great thought and understanding as to the social needs of the time.