The modular object in the Zlín housing estate Jižní Svahy will be named re:public

Zlín – A modular structure that will be located in the Zlín housing estate Jižní Svahy on the site of the former so-called Smurf City, will be named re:public. It will serve as a social and cultural center, built by the Vizovice manufacturer of modular systems Koma Modular, with the investor being the company's owner, Stanislav Martinec. The operator will be a non-profit organization related to the investor. The costs are estimated at 150 million crowns. After obtaining a building permit, construction could begin in mid-next year. It might be completed by mid or autumn of 2028, Martinec said today to reporters.

"Re in the name represents something new, meaning some kind of refresh. Behind it is public, so something new for the public. We want to use it in connection with things like redesign or reconstruction of something. The second aspect is republic as res publica, from Latin meaning public matter. It is a service to the public, as well as educational. And the last part represents some kind of order, a republic. We call it Horní Náměstí Svobody," said Martinec.

He wants a place for all generations to meet. There will be creative workshops, a gallery, a children's zone, a hall for 250 people where concerts, theater performances, or balls could take place, as well as smaller halls. There will also be a restaurant, bar, or café.

The object made of modules will be red. "The basic building has a square floor plan that defines the entire space and the whole square. Above it rises a large hall, which we call a lantern, located at the heart of the whole building," said project director Marie Schüller. The 20-meter high structure will have a lookout over Zlín. Some models will be movable. The architectural design was created by the studio CHYBIK+KRISTOF.

The key concept is modularity, with a rectangle shaped like a brick serving as a grid from which posters, banners, programs, and orientation systems can be composed. The logo uses a colon as a divider between re: and public. The visual identity of the project re:public was designed by the Zlín agency KHS.

The object will be built on the site of the outdated establishments known as Smurf City, which the city had demolished. The demolition was completed at the beginning of the year, and there were bars, pubs, or a café in the area. The city aims to change the appearance of the location, and Koma Modular won the competition for the use of the land. The area of about 6000 square meters is leased for 20 years.

Before construction begins, the space will transform into an adventure playground where children can build bunkers and various structures. They will work with real materials and tools. It could open this September.