Designed to Belong: Modernism, Industry and Community

Recorded live at the Czech Embassy Cinema in London, this event was organised by Czech Centre London as part of the London Festival of Architecture.

This panel discussion explores how architecture shapes our sense of belonging, not only by providing shelter, but by structuring everyday life, community, identity and place.

Using the Baťa village at East Tilbury as a starting point, the conversation looks at how modernist ideals, industrial ambition and carefully planned communities created a distinctive model of living. The discussion connects the historical story of Baťa company towns with wider questions of architecture, development, memory and belonging today.

The panel features historian Milan Balaban, who situates East Tilbury within the global network of Baťa cities; architectural historian Gillian Darley OBE, who reflects on the village’s significance within British modernism; John Purkiss from the Bata Heritage Centre, who brings a local and heritage perspective on East Tilbury’s development and legacy; and architect Ondřej Chybík, who discusses contemporary lessons for urban planning and adaptive reuse.

The discussion is chaired by Sir John Tusa, British arts administrator, author, journalist and former BBC broadcaster, whose personal connection to East Tilbury brings an especially meaningful perspective to the conversation.

Together, the speakers explore how architecture, industry and community planning can shape not only places, but also the people who live, work and belong within them.

Speakers: Sir John Tusa, Gillian Darley OBE, Milan Balaban, John Purkiss and Ondřej Chybík
Recorded: 11 June 2026
Venue: Czech Embassy Cinema, London
Organiser: Czech Centre London
Event: Designed to Belong: Modernism, Industry and Community
Part of: London Festival of Architecture