Congress Center

Zlín

2011

Realization

The Zlín Congress Center, part of the Cultural and University Center in Zlín—a modern city founded by Tomáš Baťa—features two main buildings. The site is shared by the city and Tomáš Baťa University. Reflecting Baťa’s commitment to culture and education, the new design honors the historical U-shaped layout of the original buildings. The contemporary architecture seamlessly integrates with Zlín’s traditional landscape, with organic shapes creating distinct identities while blending into a unified urban fabric.

The public space, shaped like a V, opens towards the city center, with a glass "bubble" housing a restaurant. A glass block "palisade" mitigates noise and climate issues while enhancing the building's aesthetic cohesion. This facade provides glimpses of the interior, featuring plants, bars, and a colorful fountain.

The Congress Center comprises a glazed entrance with cloakrooms, ticket counters, and a restaurant with a terrace. The main building, spread across three floors, includes two multifunctional halls: a large hall seating 837 with two balconies, and a smaller hall for 100. Both are connected by elevators to basement storage and technical facilities.

Operational spaces—such as cloakrooms, rehearsal rooms, and offices—encircle the main hall. The top floor houses a recording studio and control room. The building’s reinforced concrete construction incorporates steel walkways and technical equipment, reflecting a blend of architectural and functional demands.

The large hall's interior, designed with oval and ribbed glass cement panels, is tailored for versatility. Movable seating allows for quick reconfiguration, making the space adaptable for a range of events. The color scheme, with its modulated shades and materials, creates a visually appealing and functional environment.

The facade features a double-layered design: a glass outer layer complemented by thermal insulation. The roof stands out with its PVC membrane and distinctive diatom element, resembling a bridge. Supported by steel beams and lightweight ribs, this intricate design contributes to the building's modern and futuristic aesthetic, while effectively managing structural loads and environmental factors.

A key feature of the Congress Center is its emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. Design elements, including adaptable seating and clear signage, ensure that all visitors, including those with disabilities, can fully enjoy the space. This commitment extends to the building’s operational efficiency, where advanced environmental controls enhance comfort and sustainability.

Moreover, the integration of cutting-edge technology into the Congress Center’s design facilitates its use for various high-profile events. From sophisticated acoustic solutions in the main hall to state-of-the-art lighting and audiovisual systems, every aspect of the building is engineered to meet the highest standards of performance and versatility. This ensures that the Congress Center stands out not only for its architectural innovation but also for its functionality and adaptability.

We spent a lot of time considering how to design a roof that is both lightweight and breathable. Inspiration struck me in Paris when I saw a tiny trilobite called a diatom. Its oval shape with a central ridge suggested the ideal roof design. Ultimately, we used the diatom as the roofing material and supported the structure with beams, arches, and tension cables, creating the effect of the roof being ‘suspended in the air,’ which minimized its weight.
— Eva Jiřičná
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