The 17-story Jednadvacítka building in Zlín, Czech Republic, stands as a functionalist landmark constructed in 1939, featuring a unique elevator and ongoing cultural programming, according to verified sources.
Jednadvacítka Building in Zlín
Vladimír Karfík’s Design of Jednadvacítka
The Jednadvacítka, or 21st building, in Zlín is a 17-floor architectural marvel completed in 1939, embodying the functionalist design principles of its era. Built by 40 workers in 160 days—approximately one floor every ten days—the structure was designed by Vladimír Karfík and featured advanced amenities for its time, including a climate control system, pneumatic mail, and floor-level electrical outlets every 3 × 3 meters. Its 77.5-meter height and innovative layout made it a symbol of industrial progress in the Czechoslovak Republic. The building’s skeleton was constructed in 160 days, with each floor taking ten days to complete, as noted in the Kudyznudy article.
The Boss’s Elevator
A Bauhaus-Inspired Engineering Feat
Completed in 1939, the Jednadvacítka was a technological marvel for its time, with a skeleton constructed by 40 workers in 160 days—approximately one floor every ten days. The building’s design, attributed to architect Vladimír Karfík, prioritized efficiency, with each floor serving as an open-plan office for 200 people. The central core housed elevators, staircases, and utilities, while the building’s climate control system and pneumatic mail network reflected forward-thinking engineering. These features, outlined in the Kudyznudy article, underscore its role as a prototype for modern office spaces. The structure also included floor-level electrical outlets every 3 × 3 meters, a standard for its era.
Divadlo D21’s Role in Zlín
The Enigmatic "Boss’s Elevator"
A notable feature of the Jednadvacítka is its "elevator-cabin" office, a moving workspace designed by Karfík for factory owner Jan Antonín Baťa. Though a popular legend claims Baťa used the elevator to surveil employees, the Kudyznudy article clarifies that he never actually used it. Instead, the elevator was intended for executive meetings across floors. The cabin, equipped with a sink, Siemens telephones, and a radio, was restored in 2025 and remains operational for guided tours. Visitors can still ride the elevator, which operates silently and smoothly, as described in the source material. The elevator-cabin office also featured a 65V distribution panel on the 8th floor, connecting to the building’s electrical system.
The elevator’s control panel included two buttons labeled "Zatemnění" (Darkening), used during wartime to operate green roller blinds in the windows. The cabin’s original floor material, "Zlinolit," was produced by the Baťa company. A direct quote from the Kudyznudy article states, "Jezdí bez hluku a bez ‘trhání’." ("It runs silently and without ‘jerkiness.’")
Cultural Preservation and Public Access
Today, the Jednadvacítka hosts the Krajský úřad (Regional Office) and Finanční úřad (Finance Office), while its 8th-floor exhibition details the history of the Baťa company and its satellite towns. The 16th-floor terrace, open daily from 8:00 to 21:00, offers panoramic views of Zlín’s "Baťa houses" and features a café with affordable refreshments. The building’s 2023–2024 restoration included a 1940s-style interior, a bust of Jan Antonín Baťa by Radim Hanke, and a model of Zlín from the 1940s, as noted in the Kudyznudy report. These efforts highlight its dual role as both a functional workspace and a cultural heritage site.
The 8th-floor exhibition also features a bust of Baťa’s stepbrother, Tomáš Baťa, created by František Lydie Gahura, placed opposite the bust of Jan Antonín Baťa. The restoration preserved the original "Zlinolit" flooring and restored the 1940s aesthetic. The 16th-floor terrace, accessible to the public, provides a vantage point over Zlín’s industrial heritage, including the "Baťa houses" in the Letná district.
Local Institutions and Community Engagement
Adjacent to the Jednadvacítka, the Divadlo D21 theater in Zlín continues to serve as a hub for contemporary performance. In 2026, it premiered the play Husákovо Ticho (Husáko’s Silence), an original production by Jakub Vašíček and Tomáš Jarkovský. The theater also announced a search for an artistic director, emphasizing its commitment to a living space for contemporary theater and cross-generational collaboration, as reported by Divadlo D21. The call for an artistic director specified the need for "a clear artistic vision" to "develop the profile of Divadlo D21 as a living space for contemporary theater, dialogue with the audience, and creative collaboration across generations and genres."
Meanwhile, Síť21, a local internet provider, operates in the Zlín region, offering tailored connectivity solutions. According to its website, the company emphasizes personalized service, helping customers select internet plans or transition from other providers. Its commitment to "individual attention" reflects broader efforts to support Zlín’s evolving infrastructure.
A Legacy of Innovation and Adaptation
The Jednadvacítka’s endurance as both a functional workspace and a cultural landmark reflects its adaptability. From its original purpose as a factory office to its current role as a heritage site, the building embodies the intersection of industrial progress and architectural innovation. Its preservation, alongside institutions like Divadlo D21 and Síť21, underscores Zlín’s ongoing commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern utility. As the city evolves, the 21st building remains a testament to the vision of its creators and the resilience of its design.
The Jednadvacítka’s significance extends beyond its physical structure. Its 1939 completion marked a milestone in functionalist architecture, while its 2025 elevator restoration and 2023–2024 interior updates ensure its relevance today. The building’s role as a workspace, cultural venue, and historical site illustrates its multifaceted legacy. As Zlín continues to grow, the Jednadvacítka stands as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the enduring impact of visionary design.
