Baťa's Skyscraper, Functionalist office building in Zlín, Czech Republic
Baťa's Skyscraper is a 17-story office building reaching about 77 meters tall, constructed from reinforced concrete with cylindrical support columns. The design uses these columns cleverly to distribute weight evenly while allowing for large, open office spaces.
Architect Vladimír Karfík designed this administrative building in 1938 for the Baťa shoe manufacturer. It stood as one of Europe's tallest office buildings at the time and served as a visible symbol of the company's economic power.
The building reflects how the shoe company wanted to present itself as a modern industrial enterprise to the world. The clean design and open floor plans show how the Baťa family turned their business philosophy into architectural form.
Access is typically from street level through the spacious entrance hall. Visitors should know that the upper floors serve administrative purposes, though an observation terrace in the upper section is often open for tours and offers views across the city.
The chief executive's office was located inside an elevator, fitted with a sink and air conditioning. This mobile workspace allowed the boss to oversee all areas of the building while traveling through it.
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