Baťovany – (re)visions of a modern town: Searching for identity

Abstract

Abstract The town of Partizánske in Slovakia, formerly known as Baťovany and built according to the design of the urban development plan of architect Jiří Voženílek (1909 - 1986) from 1938, represents a unique urban-architectural achievement in the context of not only Czechoslovak functionalist architecture, but also the emergence of modern European cities in the first half of the 20th century. Its original Baťa image, the remarkable idea of a linear industrial town with numerous structural and building innovations in the field of architecture have co-created the town’s identity over the years and its original urban, architectural and historical value remains clearly observable. If we do not protect these values, the town will gradually lose its identity. From this perspective, the key aspect is the re-identification or (re)vision of the historical, architectural-urban, industrial and cultural values of the original industrial town concept and the subsequent confrontation of this model with the current demands of the town residents as a way to rediscover the disappearing identity with an emphasis on preserving and maintaining the exceptional values of Baťa architecture and urbanism. To this day, Partizánske has not adopted any concept of functioning territory or object-focused monument protection of Baťa heritage. Possible solutions regarding monument protection and rescue, restoration or reconstruction of the original Baťa architecture are hindered by lack of open communication between monument protection institutions, experts - historians, architects and urban planners with practical experience, town councils, civic associations and town residents. Therefore, our research also focuses on cooperation with the inhabitants of the town and introduces them to possible intervention solutions for the preservation of the unique architectural, urban and cultural heritage. This paper attempts to search for possible ways (participatory design, research by design, etc.) of ensuring the sustainability of the identity of the town, while preserving the unique values of Baťa heritage in Partizánske for future generations.