Südtirol | South tyrol | Alto Adige - alpitecture

Results 

Südtirol | South tyrol | Alto Adige

conTenTs 

2 

Preface .................................................................................Page 03 

Program ...............................................................................Page 04 

Basic lectures .........................................................................Page 10 

Excursion ..............................................................................Page 18 

Workshops ............................................................................Page 38 

Lecture .................................................................................Page 74 

Final Discussion ......................................................................Page 80 

Participants ............................................................................Page 82 

Partners ................................................................................Page 86 

Organizers .............................................................................Page 92 

Imprint: 

Copyright: © 2010 ap35 GmbH 

Image material: Daniel Grund, ap35 

Graphics: Anja Sawatzke, ap35 

Texts: Dr. Oliver Herwig, 

Florian Semmler, ap35 

Andreas Gottlieb Hempel 

Edition: German 1500 Stück 

Italian 500 Stück 

English 500 Stück 

Alps, Technologies & ArchiTecTure 

Buildings are built for the future. Designing them requires a number of 

decisions by the architect and investor that must be weighed off against 

each other. The higher the costs entailed by the decisions and the more alternatives 

available, the more intensive the deliberations must be. Especially if 

the usable space is in competition with agricultural production, commercial 

usage, or housing space, a critical appraisal of the site in question will be 

necessary long before any construction can begin. Alpine regions are especially 

affected by these conflicting interests. In South Tyrol, about 5 % of the 

total land area is commercially usable and can be built on. 

The increasing scarcity of building space in a village or urban area and 

the visibility of the structure, whether on a slope or in the valley, have over 

time awakened sensitivity in inhabitants for dealing with the landscape they 

shape. Architecture is discussed because its value has been recognized. 

The more varied the living space becomes due to the conditions it defines, 

the more fascinating it is. The Alps have been an extreme and contradictory 

living space for as long as anyone can remember. The continuous application 

and adaptation of the newest methods and technologies have made 

permanent settlement possible. Social needs and the use of structures have 

influenced regional building cultures. Architecture is building culture. The 

quality of architecture achieved, emerging from the conflicts between geographic 

location, spaces, uses, tradition, and design makes building in the 

Alps so interesting for architects. 

alpitecture involves the invited participants personally in South Tyrol’s building 

culture. 

The image of South Tyrol with its only 500,000 inhabitants has changed in 

recent years from the romantic image of mountain farmers to that of an innovative 

business location. Especially within the building sector, companies 

have developed whose high quality products can compete in the global market. 

These are often family-run trade businesses that have retained a strong 

personal character. 

The various experts in the building sector are guardians of information and 

have the answers to specific questions. It is frequently forgotten that everything 

is interrelated, systems affect one another, and seemingly minor things 

can create benefits in another area when reinterpreted. Overlapping, linkage, 

and parallels can be found in many areas and in all living spaces. In the 

future, problems will be solved only if all specialists involved come together 

and inspire one another with new ideas. 

alpitecture links those involved in architecture of the Alps to generate synergisms 

for the future. 

During the workshop, the participants of alpitecture code 2-10 have made 

a contribution to the building culture through their unbiased view from the 

outside and their solution-oriented suggestions for special building tasks in 

the region, thus contributing to the progressive development of the building 

culture. 

preFAce 

3

progrAm 

4 

DAy one – ThursDAy 10/06/2010 

» Arrival of guests 

» Welcome and introduction of guests, chamber of commerce Bolzano 

» Guided Tour, chamber of commerce Bolzano 

» Basic lectures, Hotel Terme Merano, Merano 

» Merano arte – „Living in the alps“ exhibition 

» Lecture Plasma Studio, London, Sexten at the Merano Kurhaus 

» Dinner, Moccaria, Kurhaus Merano 

» Transfer Theiner‘s Garten Bio Vitalhotel, Gargazon, Check in 

DAy Three – sATurDAy 12/06/2010 

» Guided Tour 

» Workshops Part I – Workshops Part I – Defining the challenge 

» Workshops Part II – Drafting 

» Lunch 

» Workshops Part III – Results 

» Presentation of workshop results 

» Discussion of results 

» Discussion with partner 

» Lecture Astrid Piber, UNStudio Amsterdam Bolzano District Vocational School 

» Panel discussion 

» Dinner 

ProgrAm 

DAy Two – FriDAy 11/06/2010 

» Departure for the excursion, Transfer to Brixen 

» Combined Heat and Power plant, Brixen 

» DUKA, Brixen 

» Frener & Reifer Metallbau, Brixen 

» Erlacher incl. Lunch, Barbiano 

» Tramin Wine Cellars 

» Laives parish church 

» Sigmundskron Castle, MMM – Messner Mountain Museum, Firmian 

» Terlan Wine Cellar 

» Hangar FRI-EL Green Power, South Bolzano 

» Höller KG, Laives 

» Dinner 

» Return journey Theiner‘s Garten 

progrAm 

5

souTh Tyrol 

6 

souTh Tyrol in FAcTs AnD Figures 

» The autonomous province of Bolzano-South Tyrol, northernmost province of Italy, 

7,400 km 2 , 10 % of this permanently cultivatable, about ¼ lies between 1,000 and 

1,500 m and 2 /3 above this. 

» Of the approx. 500,000 people, around 70 % are German speaking, 25 % Italian 

speaking, and 5 % speak Ladin. Foreigners make up about 6 %. 

» Some 98 % of the population is Catholic. 

» One third of the employees work in the service providing sector, ¼ in production, 

and about 12 % in agriculture. South Tyrol has an unemployment rate of 2 %, the 

lowest in the EU. 

» The provincial government governs eight districts and 116 communities. The capital is 

Bolzano with about 100,000 residents, followed by the municipalities Merano (35,000), 

Brixen (20,000), Laives (16,000), Brunico (14,000), Sterzing (6,000), Klausen (5,000), 

and the smallest town is Glurns with 900 residents. Most people live in rural areas. 

» The highest mountain is Ortler, 3,905 m high, and Langkofel in the Dolomites is 

3,179 m high. 

» The province is divided into 7 districts: Vinschgau, Etschtal, Eisacktal-Wipptal, 

Pustertal, Salten-Schlern, Burggrafenamt, and Südtiroler Unterland. 

» The major rivers are the Etsch (140 km), Eisack (96 km), Rienz (81 km), Ahrn 

(50 km), Talfer (46 km), and Passer (43 km). 

» In the Alps, Kalterer See is the warmest lake and the Seiser Alm is the largest Alpine 

meadow. 

» Some 4.5 million guests spend about 27 million overnight stays each year in the 

211,000 beds of the hotel industry.* 

A Few worDs AbouT souTh Tyrol 

These statistics do not say much about the fascination of South Tyrol. Not about 

the stimulating sensation that Goethe felt in 1782 on the Brenner when he reached 

Bolzano with the post coach and noted the southern impression in his diary. Sixty 

armies of the German emperor passed across the Brenner on their way to Rome for 

the coronation by the Pope. This route was secured by numerous castles. Imposing 

guest houses arose for the travelling merchants and their goods were traded under 

the picturesque arcades in the cities. Craftsmen and artists on their way between 

North and South left behind samples of their art in the monasteries, churches, 

castles, and manors. 

South tyrol 

For millions of tourists, the South begins at the Brenner. On the south side of the Alps, the weather is more 

reliable, lovely, mild, and dry. The northernmost vineyards of Italy are located in the valley around Brixen. 

This is where the cultivated landscape of South Tyrol starts, whose dry stone walls, terraced vineyards, 

orchards, fields, meadows, and flood plains are the result of hundreds of years of farmers’ labors. There is 

hardly another region that has such a variety of landscapes. When swimming season has begun at Kalterer 

See, you can still go skiing in Schnalstal. Those who do not want to climb the pale cliffs of the Dolomites 

can hike through the isolated woods of Regglberg or the broad Alpine meadows. Those who want to avoid 

the summer heat in Vinschgau can walk along the cooling waterways in Waale. Those who find too much 

bustle in the cities can enjoy beautiful days until late fall under the golden foliage in a Buschenschänke, or 

country tavern. For culture lovers, there are the many architectural treasures ranging from the Carolingian 

period to Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and art nouveau. A building tradition marked by stately manors, 

grand estates, and richly decorated churches in addition to sturdy guest houses. Austrian and Italian influences 

overlap here just as in the food. 

The peaceful coexistence of the cultures and languages was disrupted after Italy annexed South Tyrol in 

1918. Tens of thousands of Italian workers were brought into South Tyrol to industrialize Bolzano, the German 

language was prohibited, and the German place names were Italianized, often in a random manner. 

After the end of World War II, today’s valid, quite extensive autonomy statute for South Tyrol was passed in 

1972 after difficult negotiations. The enormous economic boom has since then contributed to smoothing 

out the ethnic differences and normalizing the way the different ethnic groups interact. Still – kindergartens 

and schools are separated linguistically, public positions are given according to ethnical affiliation using 

a competition system, and the Italians have been disappointed over the loss of their former privileges. 

It will probably take a while before everyone considers themselves as South Tyrolean in a region that utilizes 

their unique cultural and language variety to the full extent.* 

souTh Tyrol 

7

souTh Tyrol 

8 

eisAck vAlley 

The map, with the most important transport axis between Germany and 

Italy – motorway, state highway, and railway – shows a continuous line 

between Brenner and Bolzano. But what it doesn’t show is that the Central 

Alps have innumerable sequences of different valleys. 

The Eisack, which has its source near the Brenner Pass and flows through 

the valley, gets its water from the ever-receding glaciers of the Stubaier and 

Zillertaler Alps. It once formed the swampy landscape of the Sterzinger 

Moos. Then it meanders further through the valley between steep wooded 

slopes to Franzensfeste. Up to here, the upper Eisack valley is called Wipptal, 

a term that refers to the name of the Roman fort Vipitenum where today 

Sterzing is located. 

The dam built in 1941 near Franzensfest to provide electricity to the Brenner 

railway flooded the Brixner Klause, the defile behind which the wide 

Brixen basin opens, whose orchards and vineyards create a southern 

atmosphere. Here, the second large section of the Eisack valley begins. 

At Brixen the Eisack joins with the Rienz, coming from the Pustertal. The 

river then flows through particularly attractive highlands which have been 

settled for ages, through the narrowing of the valley near Klausen, up to 

Kollmann in the lower Eisack valley. Here, at the old customs post, the 

valley becomes a dangerous, steep gorge until Bolzano, the “Via Mala of 

South Tyrol”. The ancient Romans and the German emperors preferred a 

higher route over the Ritten. Not until 1314 on the initiative of the Bolzano 

merchant Heinrich Kunter was a trade route known as “Kuntersweg” cut 

into the mountainside along the raging Eisack. 

In 1867, the Brenner rail line with its many tunnels was laid which was 

again and again endangered by mudslides and flooding, and in 1972- 

1974, the technical masterpiece, the motorway curving through the valley 

on high pylons, was finished. But down in the valley, the traveler sees 

very little of the gentle plateaus around Kastelruth, Seis, or Völs and sees 

nothing of the sunny villages on the slopes of the Ritten. You have to view 

the lower Eisack valley coming from Tschafon or Puflatsch to realize its 

beauty. The river becomes calmer in the Bolzano basin. 

At the foot of Kardaun Castle, through the entrance to the Eggertal, then 

through vineyards, fig trees, oleanders, and cypresses along the Bozner 

Leiten, and finally through the commercial areas of the city flows the 

Eisack, and then joins the Etsch below Sigmundskron. Since Roman times, 

the Brenner route has been an important connection between North and 

South – the scene of mass migrations, route taken by over sixty armies 

of German emperors (on the way to coronations in Rome, to battle, or to 

the Crusades). 

Albrecht Dürer commemorated Klausen in his engraving “The Great 

Fortune”, Goethe rode the post coach through the valley by night, and 

Napoleon’s generals left a trail of destruction. In World War II, there was 

hardly a railroad line more often bombed than the route between Brenner 

and Bolzano. After the 1950s, steadily increasing streams of sun-starved 

holidaymakers made their way over the Brenner to the Adriatic beaches. 

Finally – with the Schengen agreement – the Brenner border, which had 

been in existence since the annexation of South Tyrol by Italy after World 

War I, was virtually eliminated. Customs and passport checks and the 

inevitable and annoying traffic jams in holiday periods disappeared. The 

village of Brenner was reduced to a tenth of its population and is now looking 

for a new purpose – among other things, with a modern outlet center. 

The Eisack valley does not engage in standardized mass tourism. Those 

who love the solitude and silence of the mountains will find it, especially 

in Wipptal and in the mostly pristine side valleys of Ridnaun, Villnöss, or 

Tiers. It is possible to spend the holidays in privately run holiday apartments 

and on farms, or in small historical, family-operated hotels. Holidaymakers 

will be fascinated by the overwhelming abundance of stately 

manors, castles, churches, pilgrim chapels, museums with masterpieces, 

unparalleled frescos, wayside shrines, and old estates. Connoisseurs will 

enjoy the traditional rural food as well as the refined Eisack valley cuisine 

with its old Austrian and Mediterranean influences and excellent wines. 

Finally, the attraction of the region includes the open, friendly people, who 

have been good hosts to travelers through this valley for centuries. For 

them and their backgrounds as German Tyroleans, Ladins, or Italians, 

the same applies as for landscape, climate, vegetation, cuisine, architecture, 

and art history – the Eisack valley includes both the North and the 

South.* 

lAnD oF cAsTles 

No other region of Europe has as high a percentage of castles and palaces 

in relation to its size as South Tyrol. All in all, over 780 castles, palaces, 

estates, fortification, and ruins can be counted. They reflect the building history 

of the country throughout the centuries in a unique way. Their appearance 

is extremely varied, due not only to the different geographic locations, 

but also due to frequent reconstructions. 

The history of castle building began in the 12th century and experienced its 

climax in the middle of the 14th century. The defense structures of the early 

Middle Ages still had a simple structure: The rulers had quadratic – less 

often round – towers built on hills or elevations. They were surrounded by a 

ring wall, behind which the population could seek protection. 

In addition to the main tower, residential structures were later built, which 

became larger only in the 14th century and at the beginning of the 16th 

century were sometimes real palaces. Gradually, defensive facilities were 

added as new military requirements arose – e.g. bastions, firing slits, and 

shooting stands for the artillery. 

Decisive for the construction of the numerous castles in South Tyrol was 

the key location that the region occupied between the German empire in 

the north and the Roman papal state in the south. The German emperors 

secured the Eisack and Etsch valleys as a route to Italy. To do so, they 

combined ducal and church power – the bishoprics of Brixen and Trient, 

dependent on the emperor, were created. 

When the Duchy of Tyrol was ceded to the Hapsburgs in 1363 and somewhat 

later the capital was moved from Merano to Innsbruck, Trentino turned 

toward the Italian culture, while South Tyrol was oriented to the North – a 

development that was to have a decisive influence on the later history of the 

region. In the middle of the 14th century, the zenith of castle building was 

reached; the remaining castles gradually lost their functions as fortifications 

and some of them became palatial grand manors. The severe architecture 

then often took on the shape of elegant palaces and hunting lodges. 

At the beginning of the 19th century, many of the castles fell to ruin until 

a real restoration boom began at the end of the century – often borne by 

glorified romantic ideas. Examples of this are the Brunnenburg near Merano, 

Garnstein Palace in Thinnetal, and Welfenstein near Mauls. Today, the 

remaining castles, around 30 of which can still be toured, make a considerable 

contribution to the special cultural scenery of South Tyrol.* 

*Text extracts from the following books by Andreas Gottlieb Hempel are marked with an* 

Architektur & Wein 

Excellent wine architecture in Germany, Austria, 

Switzerland, and South Tyrol | Callwey Verlag, 

Munich | to be published in December 2010 

Erlebnis Eggental 

Culture and nature around Rosengarten and Latemar 

Folioverlag Bolzano/Vienna, | 2010 

Südtirols schönste Hotels 

88 small paradises 

Folioverlag Bolzano/Vienna | 2009 

Architektur in Südtirol 

Current structures – an architecture guide 

Callwey Verlag Munich | 2008 

churches & monAsTeries 

After conquering the Langobard kingdom in 774, Charlemagne also strove 

to achieve clerical domination over upper Italy, changed the borders of 

bishoprics, and made the church province of Salzburg an archbishopric 

(798). The consequences that this orientation towards the north was to 

have for the history of South Tyrol can hardly be underestimated. 

When Otto the Great began the tradition of imperial coronation trains with 

his trip to his coronation by the Pope, a safe route to the south became 

necessary. This was now achieved with the help of the Church. The 

bishoprics along the Eisack and Etsch were established. Louis the Child 

gave the Bishop of Saeben the court of Prichsna in 901, from which the 

city of Brixen arose. In 1027 the Bishop of Brixen was ceded the Eisack 

region as an imperial fiefdom; the bishopric of Trient was granted the lower 

region with Bolzano, Ueberetsch, and Vinschgau. Thus, both bishoprics 

were able to develop independently of Bavaria and Verona. For internal 

church reasons, the bishops did not personally exercise secular power, 

but granted counties to stewards, who were soon in competition with one 

another. In the end, the counts of Tyrol emerged as the winners of the competition 

and obtained power over the bishoprics of Trient and Brixen until 

the last Countess of Tyrol, Margarete Maultasch, ceded power to Duke 

Rudolf IV of Habsburg in 1363. This was the start of 555 years of South 

Tyrol’s belonging to the Catholic House of Habsburg. As in the rest of the 

Christian West, the monasteries assumed the task of schooling and cultivating 

the land until modern times. Important centers were the Benedictine 

Abbey Marienburg in Vinschgau, built in the 12th century, and the Neustift 

monastery in the Eisack valley, established by Bishop Hartmann of Brixen 

in 1142, which is still run by the Augustinian canons today. 

In addition to these spiritual centers, numerous chapels, many popular 

pilgrimage sites, and hundreds of lovely churches were built in South Tyrol, 

where up to the present day, believers find a place of tranquillity and 

contemplation.* 

Culturonda Südtirol 

Hike and experience culture and way of life 


Erlebnis Eisacktal 

Hike, stop to explore, discover culture 


Vinschgau in einem Zug 

By train through western South Tyrol 


Südtirols schönste Hotels, Gasthöfe and Pensionen 

88 small paradises for weekend trips and holidays 

Folioverlag Bolzano/Vienna | 2005 (no longer in 

print) 

souTh Tyrol 

9

Asic lecTures 

10 

in orDer To unDersTAnD The culTure oF A region, you neeD To geT A 

Deeper insighT. Three lecTures by renowneD experTs on The AreA creATe 

The bAsis For Acquiring inFormATion AnD Forming An opinion. 

The Focus is on ArchiTecTure, regionAl plAnning, AnD economy. 

BASic lectureS 

bAsic lecTures 

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Asic lecTures 

12 

The ArchiTecTurAl DevelopmenT oF souTh Tyrol 

» Dr. Arch. JoseF mArch, DepArTmenT oF builDings, AsseTs, lADin school, 

AnD culTure oF The AuTonomous province oF bolzAno – souTh Tyrol 

» 1973 degree from the Technical University of Vienna 

» 1975 architect with the South Tyrol Public Administration 

» Since 1981, management position 

» Since 1988, regional building director for South Tyrol, responsible for all public buildings in the region 

» Since 2002, head of the department of public buildings and heritage 

» New construction zone Semirurali, Darbourne & Darke, 1986 

Building tradition is the sum of all things that change the natural and built 

environment. The identity of the building tradition is based on the history of 

a geographic region. Building tradition affects all people. They live in a built 

environment and should be responsible for its quality. The cultural development 

in the history of South Tyrol was marked by Italy’s and Austria- 

Hungary’s claims to power. 

Today, contemporary architecture in South Tyrol is perceived to be international. 

The architectural language in the country has been steadily developed 

since the post-war period. Due to the Fascist repression under Mussolini 

and the events of the war, there was a general lack of academics, including 

architects, after the war. Othmar Barth, Luis Plattner, Helmuth Maurer, and 

others formed a small circle of architects in South Tyrol, most of whom had 

studied in Vienna. 

The 1970s were marked by a sharp rise in regionalism, followed by the postmodernism 

of the 1980s. In the early 1990s, the provincial administration 

began to promote modern architecture – a “new building culture in South 

Tyrol developed from tradition”. This formed the basis for a positive attitude 

toward modern architecture in the population and political scene. Efficient 

laws and a functioning regional planning supported the attitude toward modern 

architecture – today the concept of building tradition is discussed. 

The provincial administration consciously functioned and still functions as 

a role model in issues of architectural quality. A broad tradition of competition 

and the international rivalry associated with it contributed to a rise in 

the quality of architecture. Since 1980, design competitions have been the 

normal procedure in the building sector. 

Between 1975 and 1990, remarkable public buildings were constructed: 

hotel management school in Brixen, fire department school in Vilpian, Landhaus 

II, youth center in Brunico, etc. Many communities and private owners 

in South Tyrol followed and still follow the example set by the provincial 

government. Modern and innovative architecture can therefore be found all 

around the area. We would especially like to mention the high quality architecture 

initiated by courageous owners in the private sector. Contemporary 

architecture has become a publicly discussed topic. This is a great opportunity 

for the modern building sector. 

The province saw the challenges of the future. So in general, it strove for 

building designs that were more rooted in tradition. The new demands on 

building have to be recognized before they can be met – the KlimaHaus 

concept must be implemented in architecture, alternative energy sources 

must be integrated, and sustainable building achieved. In taking on these 

challenges, the province assumes another role model function. 

» Cusanus Akademie Brixen, Othmar Barth, 1962 » Tschötsch school for girls near Brixen, Othmar Barth, 1970 

» European Academy of Bolzano, Klaus Kada, 2002 


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Asic lecTures 

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ArchiTecTure in souTh Tyrol beTween Two culTures 

» Haus Mimmi, Settari, Dreikirchen, Lois Welzenbacher, 1924 

» Hotel Kurzras Schnalstal, Abram & Schnabl, 1980 

» Dr. Arch. lukAs AbrAm, Former presiDenT oF The souTh Tyrol ArchiTecTs 

AssociATion 

» Partner in Abram & Schnabl, architecture firm in Bolzano 

» 1995 – 2002 studied architecture at the Technical University of Graz 

» 2002 Final examination in Venice 

» 2005 certified KlimaHaus expert 

» since 2003, Editor of “Turrisbabel” magazine 

» since 2009 Regional advisor for landscape conservation and urban planning 

» since February 2009, Chairman of the jury for “Architektouren der BYAK” 

» 2005 – 2009, President of the South Tyrol Architects Association 

» Hotel Alpi, Armando Ronca, 1956 

» Winecenter Kaltern, feld72, 2006 

Identity is a word that is redefined daily, almost hourly, by the political representatives 

of all linguistic groups in South Tyrol. The issue of the nature 

and the values of South Tyroleans today, the trans-regional context, and their 

demands aside from social well-being is difficult to address. Identity finds its 

greatest expression, visible for all, in architecture. The conflict between the 

Italian, the German, and the Ladin culture, although mainly political in nature, 

has always had an impact on the building tradition in South Tyrol. 

The affiliation of South Tyrol with the monarchy in Austria-Hungary led to a 

transformation of the cities in the 19th century with the rise of upscale tourism. 

Merano was remade into a health resort. The towns became relaxing 

areas away from the large cities. Some of the buildings, often sophisticated 

hotels, were built by the same Viennese architects. Historicist architecture 

was designed by architects from Dresden, Munich, and the southern German 

region. The locals viewed this development with skepticism and saw 

their cities being changed by outsiders. This development came to a standstill 

after World War I. In South Tyrol, the desire arose for a renunciation of 

historicism; a new orientation pursued the ideas of Werkbund and “Neues 

Bauen”. In addition, perhaps due to the onset of “Italianization” under Fascism 

beginning in 1922, architects perceived an obligation to the local building 

traditions; they wanted to develop the essential Tyrolean features and 

began to reject everything that was exaggerated, overly ornate, and ornamental. 

Architects oriented new buildings to the anonymous rural building 

tradition. This gave rise to regionalism and a new physicality (e.g. Hotel 

Panna) in line with the national socialist view of humanity. Builders such as 

Lois Welzenbacher shaped new tendencies with buildings that addressed 

the place and conveyed an unknown lightness. After 1930 it became difficult 

for architects trained in Austria to work. They lost their certification. Offices 

were closed. The Fascist plan for Bolzano: steel industry and growth from 

100,000 residents from Sicilian laborers (although Bolzano had neither iron 

ore nor coal resources). The southerly expansion of the city by an industrial 

zone has consequences up to today – the inner city is heated up by the 

southerly winds. 

After the war, Bolzano had been almost completely destroyed as the result 

of eleven bombing raids. And the society was forced to come to terms with 

itself first. The wounds caused by the annexation to Italy had to heal first. 

The local heritage society turned to national socialist ideals and revived the 

South Tyrolean agenda of the 1930s. With the prospering tourism industry, 

this led to the familiar kitsch and prevented any discussion of contemporary 

architecture for a long time. While the German-speaking South Tyroleans 

continued to concentrate on building in rural areas, the Italian colleagues 

were active in the cities. 

Between 1960 and 1980, 43.5 million square meters of new buildings were 

completed. That is more than the total construction in South Tyrol before 

1960. The increase in tourism with the demand for more beds contributed 

considerably to this. Overdevelopment was encouraged as improvements 

were made to the road and electric networks and mobility increased. 

Since only about 5 % of the land was commercially usable and could be 

built on, something had to be done. In 1970 a land conservation law was 

passed, the most progressive one in Europe at the time, in 1972 a first 

regional development plan, and in 1974, the first nature park was designated. 

Innovative projects were made possible, especially by the Church, which 

had the courage to try out new building styles. For example, Helmuth Maurer: 

Exerzitienhaus in Nals 1963, Othmar Barth: dormitory in Salern, girls’ school 

in Tschötsch, housing development in Haslach; Abram & Schnabl: church 

in Kastelbell, 1973. At the end of the 1980s, the strict regional planning was 

relaxed; regional councilor Benedikter was not reelected. The party gave 

away the carefully preserved landscape to the voters – industry got expansion 

space, the farmers got their barn volumes, and hotel owners were given 

three stages of expansion. The regional planning office lost power; development 

plans were made by the municipalities and no longer coordinated. 

Public land use was no longer important. In some areas, spaces were made 

into public areas through competitions as a result of community spirit. 

Today there are a number of successful projects that have arisen from the 

local context. It is impossible to name them all, but some examples are: 

Manincor Winery, Kaltern, 2004, Walter Angonese with Rainer Köberl and 

Silvia Boday; Winecenter, Kaltern, 2006, feld72; Regional Vocational School 

of Bolzano, Bolzano, 2007, Höller & Klotzner Architekten; and the SALEWA 

headquarters in the Bolzano South industrial zone by Cino Zucchi Architetti 

– Park Associati, which should be opened by 2011. 


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Asic lecTures 

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regionAl DevelopmenT AnD siTe mAnAgemenT in souTh Tyrol 

» Dipl.-ing. lisA koFink, eurAc reseArch insTiTuTe For regionAl DevelopmenT 

AnD locATion mAnAgemenT, bolzAno 

» 2001 – 2002, Regional development studies at the Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden 

» 2005, degree in Regional and Environmental Planning at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern 

» since 2005, employed at the Institute for Regional Development and Location Management at the European 

Academy in Bolzano (EURAC research) 

» since 2008, coordinator at the European Academy in Bolzano, Institute for Regional Development and Location 

Management (EURAC research) 

Core competence as a basis for the umbrella brand “Alto Adige” 

substance core differentiators 

high-contrast 

cordial 

distinct and warm hearted 

“Knödel and Spaghetti” 

reliable 

to have time/enjoying 

genuine confident 

valuable reliable powerfull authentic 

support 

rich in tradition 

Source: www.provinz.bz.it/dachmarke) 

Umbrella brand for 

• Agricultural products 

• Tourism 

• Commercial and industries 

• Services 

Regional development is based on the interaction of various elements (population, 

business, traffic, etc.) and is associated with the growth of the economic 

capacity of a region. 

Regional economy on the other hand, deals with the economic efficiency of 

spatial structures and includes mainly the analysis and promotion of local 

factors that make a location attractive or competitive. Tourism plays a major 

role in the regional economy and development of South Tyrol. For example, 

the tourism sector contributes 11.9 % (manufacturer prices) to value creation. 

South Tyrol is at the top of the Alpine region with respect to intensity of 

tourism, bed occupancy, and density of hotel coverage. 

The demands on a region made by competition can be classified in basis 

factors (e.g. accessibility), competition factors (incl. architecture), and differentiators 

(special, unique competencies). Together, the factors form the 

core competencies of a region. Based on the core competencies, themes 

for a region and based on these, unique and competitive products can be 

defined and developed. 

Location management in South Tyrol means integrating business management 

principles into regional development and location issues. The location 

becomes a business, whose management guides its future development in 

a planned direction and in doing so takes more than one location factor and 

more than one target group (businesses, residents, guests) into account. 

It is no longer just a product, but integrated services of several sectors that 

are offered. 

As an example, we could mention the commitment on the part of drivers of 

the economy in the various sectors (winemakers, tourism directors, farmers, 

and people of public life) in Kaltern, who developed a theme for their 

town with a communications agency. The result was the “wein.kaltern” profile, 

a quality offensive of the wine producers with their town. Under the 

label “wein.kaltern” a new brand was developed and a “wein.weg” wine 

route in the form of an 8 was built through the town, through vineyards 

and wineries to Kalterer See. The intersection at the middle of the 8 is the 

PUNKT wine house in the center of town. The building was redesigned by 

the Vienna architect Hermann Czech in 2005. It is a vinothek where you are 

invited to taste all the wines made in Kaltern. Another combination of contemporary 

architecture, tourism, and wine culture was implemented in the 

new Winecenter sales building of the Kaltern winery. The architecture firm 

feld72 from Vienna won the invitational competition with a structure that, as 

a landmark on the road from Bolzano to Kalterer See – the building is directly 

on the main road – gives equal consideration to the 21st century perception 

of mobility and to the local identity. Through all of these measures, Kaltern 

became a business operation with various departments that all benefit from 

the joint development. 


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Merano Arte 

Hotel Terme Merano 

Cantina Tramin Winery Tramin 

Theiner‘s Garten Bio Vitalhotel, Gargazzone 

Sigmundskron Castle 

Cantina Terlan Winery di Terlano 

District Vocational School, Bolzano 

Camera Chamber di of Commercio 

Commerce, Bolzano 

Hangar della FRI- EL Green Power, Bolzano 

Parish church Laives 

Höller KG, Laives 

» Cartography: Autonomous Province of Bolzano South Tyrol - Office of Geographic Information and Statistics 9.6 

Combined heating and power plant, Brixen 

Erlacher Innenausbau 

Duka, Brixen 

Frener & Reifer Metallbau, Brixen 

bolzAno chAmber oF commerce, bolzAno 

» Architecture: Wolfgang Simmerle, architecture firm 

» Client: Bolzano Chamber of Commerce 

» Construction Period: 2004 – 2007 

Bolzano’s city center has an interesting series of spaces. Not only with respect to 

squares, streets, alleyways, parks, and the Talfer and Eisack rivers, which cut deep into 

the fabric of the city – but also with respect to contents. Contrasting with the historical 

city center is the Italian expansion of the 1920s and 1930s on the other side of the Talfer 

valley. Even if both parts are joined by some structures such as the reinterpretation of 

the arcades, we still find two fundamentally different atmospheres – the “gemütlich” old 

town enhanced by the emotion of history and the “rational” new town, where the urban 

spaces are handled with cool reason. 

As early as the 1960s, the basis for the new Chamber of Commerce building was laid 

with the purchase of lots on Südtiroler Straße. But it was not until 1997 that the municipal 

administration approved the plan for improving Südtiroler Straße. The Institute for 

Subsidized Housing, the municipality of Bolzano, and the Chamber of Commerce jointly 

held a design competition. 

How should a modern administration building of considerable size be integrated into the 

language of our times in this multifaceted context? 

For one thing, by its location within the city. This was hust a fortunate coincidence due 

to the purchase of the building site. The new structure complements the already existing 

large scale buildings in the vicinity – the massive theatre block with its façade of light 

natural stone, the delicately laid out episcopal ordinariate with its plaster-walled buildings, 

and a hotel with its façade of interestingly structured concrete elements. 

For another thing, in the architecture competition, the proposal by Wolfgang Simmerle 

was selected, which recommended building around the edges of the block along Südtiroler 

Straße and around the corner to Verdiplatz. Only the section of the chamber of 

commerce corresponds to the original design of three blocks – like a spatial meander, 

open and functional spaces open, close, and surround each other. This creates an inner 

space, which is designed as a “three-dimensional city” with squares, pathways, 

bridges, and optical connections. Between each section, a narrow street leads into 

the courtyard, from where Verdiplatz, the episcopal ordinariate, and the theatre can be 

reached. In the future, this will be an inviting, quiet courtyard with a café and trees. 

This approach, with its different spatial dimensions, incorporates the conditions of the 

old town at this previously diffuse location naturally – square, boulevard, courtyard, and 

a great deal of city traffic, especially pedestrians from the parking garage on the other 

side of the street, whose first impression when emerging from the lower level is the corner 

of Verdiplatz. The new building does this justice. With a wide, open glass hall on the 

corner, it welcomes the surprised visitor, who would not initially expect this gesture from 

the rather cool, smooth façade. In the interior, large, publicly accessible spaces open up 

that make you forget that this is actually an office building with many small offices for 

employees. These semi-open interior spaces are reflected in the façades. Where there 

is a transparent glass façade, halls, galleries, courtyards, and stairwells are located, 

while offices are located behind the light reinforced areas. A clearly structured building 

that reflects the architecture of this “rationalistic” district and yet fits into the intimate old 

town thanks to its interwoven spaces.* 

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hoTel Terme merAno AnD Terme merAno, merAno 

Foto: Therme Meran/Tappeiner. 

» Architecture concept: Rüdiger Baumann and Julia Zillich, Berlin 

» Architecture realisation and furnishing: Matteo Thun, Milan 

» Landscape architects: Lützow7, Berlin, Cornelia Müller and Jan 

Wehberg 

» Client: Thermen Meran AG 

» Construction Period: 2005 

Merano has almost 300 sunny days a year, yet despite its mild climate is located in 

the midst of mountains, surrounded by peaks three thousand meters high. Subtropical 

plants survive the winter here in fresh mountain air. Visitors can find culture, shopping, 

and high-class hotels. Merano was at its height between 1317 and 1420 when it was 

the capital of Tyrol. The old town and the numerous manors of the nobility are proof of 

this. When the capital of Tyrol was moved to Innsbruck, Merano was known as a “cow 

town” for almost half a millennium. In the middle of the 19th century, Merano began its 

second career as a health resort for European royalty on the trail of Empress “Sissi”. 

When it was connected to the railway in 1881, palatial grand hotels arose and spa physician 

Dr. Franz Tappeiner created the promenade named after him. Waltzes were played 

in the new spa center. World War I and the annexation of South Tyrol by Italy ended all 

this. After the Second World War, Merano needed a long time to reach a certain level of 

tourism again. The grand hotels had become old; the visitors had changed. Still, Merano 

has done a lot in recent decades to refresh its old glory and add new attractions with 

cultural events. 

Radon springs were discovered around Merano. An obvious idea was to build a thermal 

bath. It was complemented by a first-class hotel with all the luxury of modern times. 

The Berlin architects Baumann and Zillich won an international competition and their 

design was the basis for the project. The implementation was planned by the architect 

Matteo Thun. 

The Terme Merano, opened in December 2005, succeeded in combining the genuine 

South Tyrol with the modern Mediterranean. The glass architecture of the Terme Merano 

gives visitors an unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains, allowing them to be 

part of the landscape, the water, and the original elements of South Tyrol. Clear lines in 

the architecture, the use of valuable natural stone and wood, and of regional products in 

the Spa & Vital Center show an understanding of and respect for nature. 

In addition to the large area dedicated to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the 

sauna area, the wellness and fitness center for the hot springs, and the 300-bed hotel 

with its own spa and conference rooms, the integration into the urban planning of the 

city of Merano plays a crucial role. Over an underground parking area with art installations, 

a spacious square was created between the hot springs and the hotel on the left 

side of the Passer River. It forms the center position opposite the long promenade on the 

old town side of the river, from where it can be reached via a new pedestrian bridge and 

has become a new attraction in Merano. From here, you have a beautiful view across 

the city to the snowy peaks of the Texel mountains, can look over the hot springs and the 

adjacent park far out into the Burggräfler Land, or enjoy the hotel service on the terrace. 

The choice of natural stone with a warm tone for the façade of both buildings compensates 

somewhat for the somewhat sterile rights angles of the two complexes.* 

merAno ArTe in The spArkAsse builDing, merAno 

» Architecture: Höller & Klotzner Architekten, Merano 

» Client: Foundation Südtiroler Sparkasse 


Merano Arte is a gallery and a forum for discussing contemporary art; it is supported 

by an association and promoted by numerous institutions. With an average of 10,000 

visitors a year and with many events and international links, Merano Arte occupies a 

prominent place in the cultural life of South Tyrol. 

The historic building under the arcades in the old town of Merano is owned by the South 

Tyrolean Sparkasse and has been completely renovated so that around 500 square 

meters of exhibition space are available on various levels. It has its own studio that can 

accommodate external artists and the Café Kunsthaus is a popular meeting point in the 

historic center. The historic Sparkasse hall can be used for lectures and concerts and is 

also rented out for external events. 

The first elements of the building stem from the Middle Ages. The building has the 

typical features of the Merano arcade buildings – very long, narrow floor plan (40 by 

9 meters), front façade with an alcove projecting over the arcades and an open atrium 

over all floors. 

The architecture firm Höller & Klotzner took pains to retain the old structure and visibly 

integrate the new elements glass and steel. The atrium was designed to bring more light 

into the central courtyard. 

At the same time, the architects had the not so simple task of dividing the long, narrow 

building according to use. To do this, they decided on a neutral design for the space. 

White walls and wooden floors form the subtle background for the changing, very different 

demands of exhibitions. 

Only the successful renovation of the old Sparkasse hall has its own character. The 

other rooms, as so often in galleries or museums, live from the light that is intended 

to bring out the best in the objects exhibited. The natural lighting from above – lateral 

lighting was not possible due to the existing conditions of the building – was a masterful 

achievement of the architects, but the artificial lighting of the rooms was also 

implemented very successfully. Through the reduction to essentials, also in materials, 

a calm gallery architecture was created that provides a good framework for the art with 

its casual noblesse.* 

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combineD heATing AnD power plAnT, brixen 

» Architecture: Modus Architects, Matteo Scagnol, Sandy Attia, 

Brixen 

» Client: Stadtwerke Brixen AG 


» 1st Prizewinner at the 5th South Tyrolean Architecture Awards 

DukA exhibiTion hAll, brixen 

» Architecture: ra.be interior design 

» Client: duka AG 


The city of Brixen could be considered a model city, as the historic old town has no 

vehicle traffic and there is a city bus network that is used extensively by the population. 

The network of cycling and walking trails in and around the city is impressive and water 

supply is just as exemplary as the canalization, waste disposal, and a district heating 

network that will supply the entire city will be completed shortly. The district heating 

plant needs several intermediate stations, one of which is located at the Mozart Bridge 

south of the city center as has become a spectacular structure although it is rather small 

in size compared with the adjacent monasteries and schools. Technical structures are 

generally neglected when it comes to design. Transformer stations, substation, water 

treatment plants, heating plants are – like bridges – considered purely engineering 

structures, are designed without architects, and their ugliness is simply accepted. 

But not the Brixen district heating plant – the intelligent combination of necessary technical 

plant was successfully integrated into the urban environment with a meeting point 

for youth in a prominent location between the bridgehead and the roads. On Mozartallee, 

which is busy but is edged with lovely large trees, a real effort was made and a talented 

young architect was commissioned with a special solution – the functional, technical 

structure, of course built of concrete, was given a large show window onto the Eisack 

river promenade. Here pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists pass by and can look in on the 

plant’s technical bowels, whose sparkling clean, gleaming chrome pipes are visible to 

observers. The concrete block was given a second skin, a chain mail shirt of steel fabric 

that rises to various heights and is lit up from behind at night in changing colours. Up on 

the roof, framed by the steel construction, a skateboard ramp was built.* 

In 1993 the company needed to move again to its present location. The modern building, 

in the midst of the lovely South Tyrolean landscape, is an expression of the vision 

– be open to new things, grasp opportunities, and still remain rooted in the own kind. In 

2006 the new exhibition hall with 600 square meters of floor space was opened. With 

nature as the backdrop, a highly flexible presentation room, independent of current design 

trends, was created. Individual scenarios address the different types of the shower 

enclosures and their special features. The lighting concept and string curtains set the 

stage for the exhibition. 

Frener & reiFer meTAllbAu, brixen 

» Architecture: BRT Architekten - Bothe, Richter, Teherani, Hamburg 

» Client: FRENER & REIFER Metallbau GmbH 

» Statics: Studio di Ingegneria Srl Bergmeister 


erlAcher innenAusbAu, bArbiAno/ponTe gArDenA 

» Architecture: Dr. Arch. Stefan Gamper 

» Interior planning: Toni Erlacher & Manfred Erlacher 

» Client: Erlacher Innenausbau KG 


The concept for the new structure was dictated by the already existing building, which 

was built in 1995 as the first of 3 construction stages. In the 2nd stage, the striking addition 

of two levels (Production and Office & Administration) to the hall was undertaken. 

FRENER & REIFER Metallbau GmbH is one of the world’s leading companies in façade 

construction, it was therefore natural to create a special façade made of the materials 

most frequently used by the company – glass, steel, and aluminum. The façade design 

adds an accent in the industrial zone. The architects designed a glass façade representing 

a stylized forest. The “tree trunks” consist up to 90% of transparent glass extending 

to the ceiling. The filling between the “trees” is made of translucent glass. In the foyer 

they have stainless steel flashing. The interior design of the office and administration 

level was done by Höller KG. 

ERLACHER Innenausbau has a long history full of tradition. “Schenk carpentry” in Waidbruck, 

established in 1905 and famous far beyond the region, was taken over in 1976 

by Toni Erlacher, who expanded it and since then has successfully managed it. 

In 2009, the new administration building was placed, very visible in the new spirit of the 

times, on the Bolzano-Klausen road (former post office). The company is the first in all 

of Italy to obtain the environmental certification ISO-14001 and in 2009 was awarded 

“A Gold” as the best KlimaHaus (Climate House). The qualities of the acoustics, sound 

insulation, and lighting technology were especially praised. 

Site of Tranquillity – Saeben Monastery 

The Romans named the steep diorite cliff towering over the narrow Eisack valley at today’s Klausen Sebenum. Up to 

today, it is still often revered as the “sacred Mount Saeben” or the “Acropolis of South Tyrol”. This almost sublime 

location became the starting point for the Christianization of Tyrol in Roman times around 400 AD under the metropolitan 

of Aquileia. Saeben became a bishopric in 590 under Ingenuin. The monastery, imposingly situated high 

above today’s Klausen, became the symbol of the Christian tradition in South Tyrol. * 

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TrAmin winery, TrAmin 

» Architecture: Architekt Werner Tscholl, Morter 

» Client: Kellereigenossenschaft Tramin 


The Tramin winery was established back in 1898 as one of the first winery cooperatives 

in South Tyrol. The 290 members cultivate a total area of 220 hectares. 

Every year, 1.2 million 0.75-l bottles are produced. The existing winery buildings were 

not especially striking from the architectural point of view. The planned new construction 

therefore sought a design solution that would also do justice to the key location 

at the entrance to the town. The view from there goes across the seemingly endless 

vineyards to the Kalterer See and to Mitterberg. At the same time, the structures form 

the northern – until now not particularly attractive – entrance to the town. 

In a selected design assessment, the unusual project by Werner Tscholl was chosen; 

building was begun in the spring of 2008 and completed two years later. In a gesture 

similar to outspread arms, two wings were added in front of the existing building, which 

welcome those arriving in the wine village of Tramin to the most important winery of 

the town. The wings form a two-story courtyard; and the steep road allows two entrances 

– the lower access has a roof for deliveries of goods and the upper entrance is 

open for receiving visitors. The new U-shaped building is placed in front of the existing 

structure so that the latter is not immediately seen. In the design of the new structure, 

the architect used forms reminiscent of leafless vines in winter. He translated the bizarre 

shapes into a steel construction, which forms a frame for the glass façades at some 

distance behind them. Visitors enter the ground floor sales area or the hall opposite to it 

and are welcomed at this elevated site by an overwhelming panorama. The building has 

symbolic value that fits the quality of the wines produced there and has already become 

a destination for wine lovers interested in architecture.* 

Wine 

Gewürztraminer is wine indigenous to South Tyrol that made the wine village of Tramin famous and the winery has been practically 

showered with international awards in recent years, especially for this wine. As usual in many areas of South Tyrol, this winery offers 

different qualities of wine – the classics, cuvee wines, single site wines, and the top wines. Then as a speciality there is the Gewürztraminer 

Spätlese, a sweet Beerenauslese or Trockenbeerenauslese, whose grapes mature on the vines until November. There is an 

astonishing variety – in addition to Vernatsch, the classic Kalterer See wine that constitutes a third of production, the are the white 

wines Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, sweet golden Muskateller, Müller–Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, 

and Riesling and the red wines Lagrein, Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Rosenmuskateller. 

Three cuvées, Stoan, Roan, and Loam add to the variety of the highest qualified wines, whose showpiece is certainly the Gewürztraminer 

“Nussbaumer”. 

Recommendation: Gewürztraminer Nussbaumer 2009 

Fascinating aromas of roses with notes of lychees and honey dominate this best of class.* 

exTension oF The church, lAives 


» Client: Parish of St. Antonius the Abbot and St. Nikolaus 


» built-over area: 890 m² 

» Construction volume: 8.400 m³ 

» 1st Prizewinner at 3rd South Tyrolean Architecture Awards 

The Church of Saints Anthony and Nicholas was begun around 1250 with the Romanic 

tower and chancel. In 1509, construction continued in the Gothic style and in 1650 in 

Baroque. Finally, the nave was renovated in 1856 in neo-Gothic style, which is now to 

be too small for the growing population. All previous suggestions to extend the existing 

nave were rejected by the people. Only the current suggestion for an extension that 

preserves the appearance of the old church met with approval. 

The architects decided on an almost self-contained structure that does not give rise to 

any sacred associations from the outside. It is subordinate to the old church structure, 

separated by a glass connection through which the north façade of the church can be 

seen. You enter the church as before through the main entrance in the old west façade 

and through a side entrance in the south, which offers a more interesting spatial experience 

in the axial relation to the new structure. 

The old church area is now a day chapel with the baptismal font and confessionals. 

The Romanic nave was opened up again and the main altar with the shrine image was 

set back into it. The old church thus appears larger than before. The glazed connection 

admits light from above, which modulates the old façade. The light that falls over the 

back of the altar is stronger and lights up the huge cross above the altar from behind. 

The warm tones of the Canadian maple paneling surround the observer, who feels transported 

to a mystical world by the gently sloping walls and the upward-curving ceiling. 

The floor is also slightly inclined down to the altar – as if one is walking on swaying, 

holy ground. A room that simultaneously disconcerts and welcomes visitors. The gaze 

is concentrated on the large golden cross that occupies the only right angle and thus 

conveys safety to the room. Behind this transcendental staging are concrete walls insulated 

with foam glass and steel supports. Façade and roofing are clad with Tombak. 

But all the worldly aspects count little in comparison with the penetrating atmosphere 

of this sacred room.* 

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messner mounTAin museum, sigmunDskron cAsTle, FirmiAn 

» Architecture: Werner Tscholl, Morter 

» Client: Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol & Reinhold 

Messner 


Sigmundskron Castle – or “the enchanted mountain”, as mountaineer Reinhold Messner 

likes to call the largest castle ruins in South Tyrol on the northern tip of the Mitterberg 

between Etsch and Überetsch. 

The enchanted mountain was probably protected with a walled fort even back in prehistoric 

times. One of the castles built to protect the most important connection between 

North and South in the Middle Ages, Sigmundskron was first the seat of the bishops 

of Trient and later of the counts of Tyrol. During the disputes with Venice in 1473, Duke 

Sigismund “rich in coins” purchased the castle and transformed it using the newest defense 

technology into an extensive fortification. Most of the old castle was torn down. 

Sigmundskron achieved great symbolic political value in our times, when Silvius 

Magnago, who would later become the president of the South Tyrolean government, 

demanded autonomy for South Tyrol with the slogan “Away from Trient” at a large rally in 

1957. For many years, the ruins were unused until Reinhold Messner succeeded in having 

it made available by the province of South Tyrol as the main site of his five planned 

museums, already achieved in Sulden, Juval, and Monte Rite. 

In the Messner Mountain Museum at Sigmundskron Castle, everything is about the 

mountains –models, sculptures, objects from expeditions, and photographs convey the 

fascination of the mountains. But even those who are less fascinated by this subject 

should see Sigmundskron Castle because of the unique quality of the new additions. 

The architects were requested to retain the historic walls and be able to reverse all 

changes made at any time. The new architecture recedes into the background. Pipes, 

electricity and water lines are just as invisible from the exterior as the glass roofs on the 

towers. Steel, glass, and iron are used as modern, yet timeless materials. 

The ruins of the castle were reduced to the essentials, later, unimportant additions were 

removed, and necessary additions were made with great sensitivity. The existing structure 

was weatherproofed, so to speak. The actual center of the site, the ruins of a chapel 

at the highest point on a porphyry cliff was separated – it is not accessible to the public, 

a stark monument on its own. 

All fixtures needed for the museum – girders, sections, extruded metal – were made of 

untreated, slowly corroding steel. All new elements were added at a distance from the 

old walls. The distance and the use of material that is less permanent than stone give the 

observer the impression that the new elements from our time can be taken away again 

when the castle is to serve a new purpose – but that the castle itself will remain as it 

has for centuries. At the same time, the fragile-looking metal bridges, spiral staircases, 

exhibition levels, railings, etc. are subordinate to the museum function so that they appear 

to be quite natural and unobtrusive.* 

Awards: 2006 Architecture award of the city of Oderzo; 

2008 International builders award Dedalo Minosse 

TerlAn winery, TerlAn 

» Architecture: arch.TV – Trojer, Vonmetz Architekten, Terlan 

» Client: Kellerei Terlan 


In 1893 the Terlan winery was established as one of the oldest winemaking cooperatives 

– in the same year as the neighbouring Andrian winery on the west side of the 

Etsch valley. In 2007 the two wineries were joined, one reason for expanding Terlan as 

the joint winery. 

The architects’ project was selected by means of an invitational competition, as they 

had discussed retaining the old substance. The structure from the earliest period kept 

its characteristic appearance, but was give another function by adding a vinothek and 

administration rooms. The former main entrance became the starting point for a pathway 

leading through the courtyard over the roof of the new structure made of glass 

panes in Corten steel frames that channel light down to the multi-level pathways lying 

below that connect the old and new cellars. The courtyard as the central reception 

area is also flanked by a tower clad in Corten steel and an elevator, which is like an 

exclamation point forming a “landmark” approximately in the middle of the complex. A 

one-story glazed pavilion with the staircase down to the new cellar is also inviting. The 

characteristic material of the new structure is announced here: reddish porphyry from 

the neighbouring cliffs. The lovely detail and elegant water basin is made of it and it was 

also used to line the masterpiece of the winery – the large barrique cellar including the 

ceiling. All the technical systems are cunningly hidden behind it and lighting is integrated 

into it. A very elegant room for elegant wines. Thanks to the central axis of the pathways, 

orientation in the lower levels of the winery is surprisingly easy, one of the pathways 

was even made through an existing concrete fermentation cavern – walking through the 

inside of a cask is an astonishing spatial experience. Integrating the large structure was 

also aided by planting some areas with vine stocks.* 

Wine 

From the founding generation of 24 winegrowers in 1893, the winery today has some 100 members with approximately 150 hectares under 

cultivation with a production of 11,000 hl and 1.2 million bottles. White and red wines constitute about half the production each; they 

all have the DOC designation of origin for the three quality lines of classical wines from the traditional red and white South Tyrolean 

grape varieties, among which the Terlaner and Weißburgunder have a top spot. The wineries whose wines stem from selected Terlan 

special locations and are fermented and matured in large wooden casks and finally selected from the best locations for maturing in 

the barrique. The selections such as “Quarz” Terlaner Sauvignon and “Porphyr” Lagrein are not only the top quality of the winery 

but are also among the best wines in South Tyrol, with a pronounced complexity and long life – as proven by the bottles stored for 

decades in the “treasure chamber”. 

Recommendation: Quarz Sauvignon blanc 2009 

This temperamental mineral wine with the spicy-salty touch of nettles, elderberry, and apricot aromas grows on quartz/porphyry.* 

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Fri-el hAngAr AT The AirporT, bolzAno Theiner’s gArTen bio viTAlhoTel, gArgAzon 

» Architecture: Lukas Burgauner, Bolzano 

» Client: Fri-El Green Power AG 


höller kg, lAives 

» Architecture: Architekten Wimmer-Armellini – Peter Wimmer, 

Ute Wimmer-Armellini, Bregenz (Competition) 

» Client: Firma Höller KG 

» Construction Period: 2007-2012 

The hangar is the basis of a jet service company. Three to four business jets are accommodated 

in a structure covering 1,600 sq. meters. In addition to the hangar there 

is a three-floor administration building. It holds service rooms, offices, a multi-function 

room, and a pilot’s lounge. Accommodations for pilots and staff are planned. Completion 

is scheduled for October 2010. 

In 1975 the company moved to the new hall (1,250 m²) in Laives. In 985 the increase 

in orders made it necessary to add on 750 m² and build a silo. After another extension 

and construction of the second silo in 1991, the company reached its present size of 

3,600 m². In 2007 an adjacent property was purchased to expand the production hall. An 

architecture competition to build the new administration was held which was won by the 

Wimmer-Armellini architects from Bregenz. 

From the jury report: 

“A building will be constructed that is characterized by impressive openness. A broad 

empty expanse forms the middle whose lightness attracts visitors and welcomes them in 

a friendly way. The central spatial sequence – an atrium combined with a two-story exhibition 

hall – has great potential for demonstrating the competence of Höller KG “... consummate 

space”. The concept responds masterfully to the absence of attractive outside and 

inside space, a feature of peripheral commercial zones. 

The structure of the building is spacious, clear, and makes orientation easy. The development 

is not only compelling, but varied as well. It never conveys the impression of 

constriction. This is not only a plus for customers, but contributes to a pleasant working 

atmosphere as well. The integration of the existing building was also successful. 

The principle of openness is apparent everywhere. The wide projecting roof creates a 

transition between inside and outside, which is a somewhat unexpected enhancement 

in this commercial district marked by hermetic façades. This inviting gesture reflects the 

company’s open spirit. The showroom is lighted from behind through the atrium, making 

the high windows seem transparent in real life as well and there is an optimal view through 

to the atrium. Well planned views also enhance the impression of openness and establish 

a feeling of space that is created, for example, from the specific view into the workshop 

and a strategically positioned opening to the north along the structure that borders the 

back of the atrium.” 

» Architecture: baukraft Architektur, Dominik Rieder and Georg 

Rubner, Brixen 

» Client: Walter Theiner 


» Volume: ca. 22.000 m³ 

DisTricT vocATionAl school, bolzAn0 


» Client: Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol 

» Competition: 2001 


» Built-over area: 7.200 m² 

» Volume: 137.000 m³ 

The Bio Vitalhotel “Theiner‘s Garten” is the first hotel in Europe that has completed the 

entire certification process for sustainable hotels. The hotel consumes only 1 /15 of the 

CO 2 of a conventional hotel of the same category. 

Climate policy is implemented here, not just discussed. The corresponding proof of 

quality was developed by the KlimaHaus agency of South Tyrol on the basis of many 

years of experience in building certification. It is intended to be an easily understood 

instrument for planning and assessing. 

The concept is based on the conviction and attitudes of the owner and his family for 

living an organic, ecologically sustainable life. The guest can enjoy healthy living and 

the amenities of a 4 star luxury hotel as well. The hotel would like to do away with the 

prejudice that healthy living must automatically be associated with doing without. The 

hotel was built using ecological construction techniques, using wood without glue or 

nails. 

Town planning considerations determine the external appearance of the new school. 

Three parallel blocks of various lengths and heights form the basis of the school complex. 

Between the first and second block, there is an entrance hall with the gymnasium 

located underneath and two access towers. Blocks two and three are connected by 

steel bridges with glazed façades designed by the Viennese artist Heimo Zobernig. 

A two-story open portico leads from the road to the main entrance into the four-story 

entrance hall, flooded with light and with a view of the surrounding pathways, two open 

stairwells, and two glassed-in elevators. A simple orientation system enables the 120 

teachers and approx. 1,000 students to find their way easily in the seven-story school 

building. The middle block has a roof terrace on the fourth floor and is used as a break 

area. 

The most important materials for the façades are fair face concrete, steel, and glass. 

Gypsum board was used in the interior area, making it very comfortable with optimal 

acoustics in the classrooms. 

excursion 

31

souTh Tyrol 

32 

beTween cellAr AnD gobleT 

Since the 1970s, a new generation of ambitious, highly qualified wine makers has 

brought about a transformation from quantity to quality. Compared with the small area 

under cultivation, South Tyrol wines receive the most awards in all of Italy, especially 

for wines made from the indigenous white and red varieties such as Gewürztraminer, 

Vernatsch, and Lagrein. The special climatic conditions contribute to this – warm days 

are followed by cool nights, slowing down the metabolism of the grapes and leading to 

a harmonious maturity. The wind through the valleys provides good ventilation. Almost 

all of the vineyards use drip irrigation because of the low precipitation and 300 days 

of sun. The soil quality – the “terroir” – in South Tyrol has striking differences with 

porphyry in the Bolzano basin, quartz phyllite in the Eisack valley, and dolomite and 

sandy marl in the lower locations that give the wine fine mineral minerality. 

If there is such a thing as a “typical” South Tyrolean wine, it would have a fine fruitiness 

ranging from the delicate apple and pear tone of Weißburgunder to the almond 

aroma and violet fragrance of Vernatsch wines to the cherry aroma with spicy notes of 

the Blauburgunder. The simple wines are uncomplicated and are enjoyed young. But 

even the full-bodied, dark red wines and cuvées from Blauburgunder, Merlot, Cabernet, 

and Lagrein, which mature after fermentation in barrique casks and have a long 

life, have been produced in recent years. 

For white wines, in addition to the varieties Weißburgunder, Müller-Thurgau, Kerner, 

Veltliner, and Silvaner, a new prime class has arisen with Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon, 

Chardonnay, and most recently Riesling as well, which is one of the best in Italy 

especially because of its fruity freshness. Incidentally, the oldest grapevine in South 

Tyrol is around 350 years old. This is the old white wine variety Versoaln, which is 

cultivated at Katzenzungen Castle near Prissian under the patronage of the Gardens of 

Trauttmansdorff Castle.* 

Grapes have been cultivated in South Tyrol for over two thousand years. “Rhetian 

wine” was valued in the Roman Era. Before South Tyrol was annexed by Italy after 

World War I, the cultivated area was still about 10,000 hectares. Then, with the loss 

of the Austrian market and development in agricultural areas in recent decades, the 

cultivated area was reduced to about 5,000 hectares. Less than 1% of Italian wines 

come from South Tyrol, Italy’s smallest wine-growing region. However, over 20 varieties 

are grown here that measure up to the top wines in Italy. 

For many companies, growing grapes has become a side business. They no longer 

make wine themselves, but sell the grapes to cooperatives and private wineries. But 

recently, more and more wine growers are trying their luck as vintners. Acquiring land 

by purchasing or leasing it gave rise to larger vineyards that make it possible to produce 

their own wines. These small producers are thus, after the cooperatives (60 % 

of production) and the private wineries (30 % of production), the third group of South 

Tyrolean wine producers. 

spAgheTTi or knöDel? 

lAnd of enjoyment 

The South Tyrolean cuisine combines the influences the original peasant fare 

with those of the German and Italian speaking neighbours to a variety with 

special features. Pasta dishes and dumplings are not exclusive of each other, 

but form a seductive juxtaposition. 

In addition to the “German” one-plate meals, the Italian tradition with “antipasto” 

(appetizer), “primo” (first course), “secondo” (main course), and 

“dolce”(dessert) is also common – the pasta is then usually the first course. 

The warm appetizers include noodles of all kinds – spaghetti, tagliatelle, tortellini, 

ravioli or the South Tyrolean version “Schlutzkrapfen” (pastry filled with 

spinach and quark) – and the classic of South Tyrolean cuisine, the Knödel 

(dumpling). This might be a bacon or liver dumpling in bouillon, “Tris” (one 

bacon, one cheese, and one spinach dumpling with melted butter and Parmesan), 

or a bread dumpling with roast or smoked meat and kraut. 

One speciality of the South Tyrolean cuisine is the “Marende”, an afternoon snack. This consists of hearty 

cheese or South Tyrolean bacon – chopped finely or in one piece. The quality seal for this lightly smoked raw 

ham is the protected designation of origin “South Tyrolean Bacon GGA“ (protected geographical designation). 

Bacon is often also served for Törggelen. Törggelen gets its name from the old wooden grape press, Torggl, 

and is associated with a trip to the wine taverns of the winegrowers at harvest time, where in addition to bacon 

and wine, roasted chestnuts, smoked sausage, Schlutzkrapfen, pork ribs, homemade garlic-scented sausage 

or smoked pork loin, both with kraut, and finally Tyrolean gray cheese prepared with onions, vinegar, and oil are 

served. There is also a remarkable variety of bread, from Vinschger Paarlen made of rye and baked in pairs, 

Pusterer Breatln of rye or wheat flour, to the crisp, hard Schüttelbrot or the Italian varieties such as unsalted 

Tuscan white bread. 

The desserts such as Kaiserschmarren or quark or apricot dumplings have an air of the Danube monarchy. In 

the fall, desserts such as chestnut rice and prior to Christmas, stollen and fruit bread and the juicy “tents” with 

raisins, dates, dried figs, nuts, and pine nuts are a treat. You have a choice of apple strudel, buckwheat cake, 

and other delights to go with your afternoon coffee. At local village fests the air is filled with the delightful scent 

of South Tyrolean crullers. 

The eating establishments in South Tyrol have a wide range of offers – from modern bars where you can get 

together for a quick espresso or prosecco, to cozy coffee houses to elegant wine bars with a large selection of 

wines, from pizzerias to wine taverns and typical local guesthouses to luxury restaurants where almost seventy 

award-winning chefs creatively and successfully refine South Tyrolean cuisine using local products and recipes 

(see “GaultMillau 2010” restaurant guide, South Tyrol edition).* 

souTh Tyrol 

33

souTh Tyrol 

34 

norberT nieDerkoFler | www.n-n.iT | moccAriA in The kurhAus | merAno 

dinner At loAcker moccAriA, 10 june 2010 

menu 

» melAnzAne AnD grilleD pepperonis wiTh mousse 

oF Fresh goAT cheese AnD herbs 

» FileT oF beeF cookeD in mounTAin hAy in A sAlT 

crusT wiTh oven vegeTAble AnD reD wine sAuce 

» iceD Apple sTruDel 

WineS 

» 2009 chArDonnAy sAlT, e&n winery 

» 2008 blAuburgunDer, merAno winery 

» 1987-1990 Restaurant Kurhausstüberl, Waging am See (1 Michelin star), chef de partie, entremetier, gardemanier, 

poissonnier 

» 1991 Restaurant Jörg Müller, Sylt (1 Michelin star) 

» 1992 Restaurant Aubergine Eckart Witzigmann, Munich (3 Michelin stars), saucier 

» 1994 Hotel Rosa Alpina 

» Since 1996 Restaurant St. Hubertus 

» Since 2000 Realis & Chateaux 

» 2000 1 Michelin star 

» 2003 – 2007 3 Frochette von Gambero Rosso, 17 points in the Giuda del Espresso, Gault Millau 3 toques 

18 points 

» 2004 – 2008 Restaurant with the highest awards in South Tyrol 

» Sept. 2005 Restaurant of the month from “Der Feinschmecker” magazine 

» Oct. 2006 Awarded the first “The Rising Star” prize, given by Stefanie of Monaco, from the “Relais & 

Chateaux” group in Monte Carlo 

» Nov. 2006 Awarded two Michelin stars, first time given in South Tyrol and Trentino 

“At age 18, I had a big goal – I wanted to see the world. And I had a second, much more modest goal – I 

wanted to be a chef. With a great deal of discipline, I succeeded in combining my two wishes. I experienced 

failures and successes. The latter stem from my clear ideals and goals and through striving to test myself 

every day and trying to be modest. My reward is that I can now do what I enjoy, as my work is my hobby 

and my philosophy of life.” 

Restaurant: St. Hubertus in Hotel Rosa Alpina 

Cook books: St. Hubertus - Kochen mit Norbert Niederkofler. 2003 (ISBN: 8882662411), 

St. Hubertus and the Flavor of the Dolomites. 2006 (ISBN: 8879062964), 

menu From 12 June 2010 | willi winkler, creAFooD | bolzAno 

South Tyrolean cheese dumplings 

Ingredients for 6 persons (18 dumplings): 

» 250 g bread 

» 50 g onions 

» 30 g butter 

» 15 g mixed cheeses (hearty) 

» 3 eggs 

» 100 ml milk 

» 1 T flour 

» 3 T parsley 

» Chives, finely chopped 

» Salt, pepper 

Directions: 

» Sautee the finely chopped onions in butter until they are golden 

» Mix the onions with milk and eggs 

» Dice the cheese and add it with flour and fresh herbs to the spiced bread 

» Add the eggs, milk, and onions and mix everything carefully 

» Shape balls about 7 cm in diameter 

» Boil in salt water about 15 min. 

» Sprinkle with Parmesan and chives and drizzle browned butter on them 

Pink roasted saddle of venison 

Ingredients for 6 people: 

» 600 g saddle of venison, trimmed 

» Approx. 10 juniper berries 

» Rosemary, thyme 

» Salt, freshly ground pepper 

» Some oil for searing 

indulgence 

Directions: 

» Season the venison with salt and pepper, sear it on both 

sides in hot oil, place the crushed juniper berries, rosemary, 

and thyme on it, and cook in a preheated 120° C oven for 

20 minutes 

» Take the venison out of the oven, let it rest for a while and 

then heat it up in hot oil with fresh herbs just before serving. 

» Cut in thick slices 

» Serve with game sauce and sides 

souTh Tyrol 

35

souTh Tyrol 

36 

wine recommenDATions From TrAmin winery 

In the cradle of Gewürztraminer, the sub-Mediterranean climate 

and large temperature differences between day and night give 

rise to the unmistakable aromatic wines of the Tramin winery. 

Small-scale agriculture and the association of 280 winegrowers 

guarantee optimal conditions for production and highest 

quality. nussbAumer gewürzTrAminer 

urbAn lAgrein 

Designation: South Tyrol DOC 

Year: 2009 

Grape variety: Gewürztraminer 

Vineyard: All grapes for our Gewürztraminer come from Söll near Tramin. The Söll 

location extends above the town of Tramin at an altitude of about 350 m to 550, at the 

foot of the mountain range around Mount Roen. In addition, the entire region is ventilated 

daily during the growing period by the “ora” wind, which comes from Garda Lake 

in the south and reaches the vineyard every day in the early afternoon. 

Sensory characteristics: The name Nussbaumer comes from the growing region, the 

Nussbaumerhof in Söll, which is one of the oldest farms in Tramin with a 700-yearold 

tradition of grape cultivation. The wine has an intense straw yellow colour. In the 

glass, it develops aromas of rose petals, cinnamon, tropical fruits, and cloves. A 

rather high alcohol content and the relatively low acid level give the Nussbaumer its 

special taste. 

Recommendation: We recommendation mature soft cheese and goose live paté. 

It also goes well with lobster and shrimp as well as with spicy Asian dishes. 

Serving temperature: 12 14° C 

Alcohol: 14.70 % 

Bottle size: 0.75 l | 1.5 l magnum 

Designation: South Tyrol DOC 

Year: 2007 

Variety: Lagrein 

Vineyards: The grapes for Lagrein Urban stem from vineyards around the Urbanhof 

in Vill near Neumarkt and Auer. Grapes have been cultivated at this farm for over 200 

years and its soil is excellent for this variety. This hillside location is about 235 m 

above sea level. 

Sensory characteristics: Lagrein is an indigenous South Tyrolean variety with a ruby 

to dark red colour. It has a fragrance of violets and blackberries and has a full, velvety 

taste with slightly tart notes. 

Recommendation: We recommend serving Lagrein with game, grilled red meat, and 

fried fish and hard cheese. 

Serving temperature: 18-20° C 

Alcohol: 13.60 % 

Bottle size: 0.75 l | 1.5 l magnum 

indulgence 

souTh Tyrol 

37

workshops 

38 

WorkShoPS 

workshops 

39

workshops 

40 

workshop 1: ArchiTecTure in Alpine AreAs - commerciAl AnD inDusTriAl AreAs 

moDerATors 

» Dipl.-ing. lisA koFink 

eurAc reseArch, insTi- 

TuTe For regionAl DevelopmenT 

AnD locATion 

mAnAgemenT, bolzAno 

pArTicipAnTs 

» heinrich geier 

erlAcher innenAusbAu, 

bArbiAno/ponTe gArDenA | 

mArkeTing | sAles AnD Dis- 

TribuTion inTernATionAl 

» Dipl. Arch. eTh Jürg 

rAgeTTli | publicisT, 

DocenT, presiDenT oF 

The bünDner heimATschuTz 

» hAnnes Auer 

AuroporT, brunico | 

responsible For plAnning 

AnD DevelopmenT 

» klAus höller 

höller kg, lAives | 

owner AnD mAnAging 

DirecTor 

menTors 

» mArch(bi) DoTT. Arch. Di 

mArTin muTschlechner 

www.sTADTlAbor.org, 

innsbruck | mAnAging 

DirecTor 

» ursulA FAix 

bAD ArchiTecTs group, 

innsbruck | pArTner 

» Dipl.-ing. solweig 

kieser | burkhAlTer sumi 

ArchiTekTen, zurich | 

proJecT mAnAgemenT 

» DAniel zwAngsleiTner 

eurAc reseArch 

» Jens-peTer FrAhm 

schweger AssociATeD 

ArchiTecTs gmbh, hAmburg 

| pArTner 

» chrisTiAn krApF 

DukA, brixen | business 

operATions sAnikA 

» Dipl. Arch. eTh siA 

AnDreAs elmAr müller 

müller & Truniger ArchiTekTen, 

zurich | 

pArTner 

» ArchiTekT ribA sTephen 

williAms | sTephen 

williAms AssociATes, 

hAmburg | owner 

» Dipl.-ing. ernsT pAnse 

lAnDschAFTsArchiTekTur 

pAnse, bAuTzen | mAn- 

Aging DirecTor 

» Dipl.-ing. JohAnnes 

wohoFsky | bAlloon_ 

wohoFsky zT-kg, grAz | 

shAreholDer 

» AsTriD piber 

un sTuDio, AmsTerDAm | 

pArTner 

» Arch. Dipl.-ing.ThomAs 

pucher | ATelier ThomAs 

pucher, grAz | owner 

AnD mAnAging DirecTor 

workshops 

41

workshops 

42 


Topic: The obJecTives oF This workshop Are: 

Commercial areas are designated and developed by communities. For years, many 

South Tyrolean communities have had a tendency to make too much space available for 

commercial purposes. In some of these communities, a reallocation of these spaces is 

currently taking place. 

The possibility of building employee housing on commercial premises has led to increased 

residential use of commercial zones in South Tyrol, but without the appropriate 

infrastructure and integration into the original village structure. The narrow valleys are 

one reason for the uncontrolled encroachment of commercial zones up to the borders 

of communities. The increase in vacancies leads to loss of attractiveness of commercial 

zones. Especially in regions where the available usable space is limited – 5 % of the total 

area of South Tyrol – it is necessary to deal wisely with this valuable resource. To make 

the population aware of this topic, recommendations should be compiled derived from 

observations of the existing situation. 

» Upgrade the potential around industrial and mixed-use zones 

» How is “upgrade” defined? 

» What measures can be used to achieve it? 

» Definition of tolerable volume of building in commercial areas? 

» View of Bolzano from Sigmundskron Castle » Aerial view of Bolzano facing north 

workshops 

43

workshops 

44 


group DAniel zwAngsleiTner: The exAmple oF kArDAun inDusTriAl pArk AT The bolzAno norD AuTobAhn exiT 

Participants: 

Hannes Auer | Ursula Faix | Christian Krapf | Daniel Zwangsleitner 

Initial situation 

The Kardaun industrial park was established at the initiative of entrepreneurs 

from the Eggen valley and was executed at the entrance to the Eggen valley 

because of the better accessibility and more available space. It is currently 

well occupied. The object studied is located within the boundaries of the 

community of Kardaun north of the provincial capital in Bolzano and has 

21,500 square meters of usable space. Due to its location at the northern 

edge of Bolzano, directly on a state highway and autobahn ramp, visible 

from afar, the area has added significance as the first impression of the city 

of Bolzano. The industrial park, far from residential areas, could be constructed 

only with the aid of elaborate slope preparation of the steep north 

face, previously covered with woods and vineyards. 

SWOT analysis 

The team first discussed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and 

threats of the Kardaun industrial park. The architecture was not discussed 

in the workshop in the sense of an appraisal or assessment of taste. The 

SWOT analysis allowed a good understanding of the qualities or inadequacies 

of the project. 

Strengths 

» Compact design 

» Good accessibility for vehicle traffic 

» Cycling route available 

» Commercial zone for several communities 

» Does not damage any townscape 

» From an entrepreneurial viewpoint: low-cost location 

Weaknesses 

» Small size of the zone 

» Few expansion options 

» Slope / landscape not given enough consideration 

» Promotes overdevelopment 

» Ruins landscape 

Opportunities 

» Customer acquisition due to heterogenous offer 

Threats 

» Future development may be jeopardized by fixed structure 

Recommendation for upgrading the object 

In the discussion of the SWOT analysis, it was determined that the human 

factor was not taken into consideration in this industrial park. It seems that 

the complex was designed only because of the location. Fixed structures 

and non-existent expansion options rule out the sustainable economic development 

of the complex from the start. Upgrading is therefore oriented mainly 

to the needs of the users of this business park. 

For employees 

» More eating establishments within walking distance 

» Design and integrate recreational areas 

For deliverers 

» Design and improve waiting zone 

For entrepreneurs 

» Master plan for expansion 

For visitors (tourism, etc.) 

» Improve external design (view from above, etc.) 

For customers 

» Improve orientation with a guidance system 

General guidelines for establishing an industrial park in a natural area 

If we analyze the individual industrial parks, we come to the same results 

for all of them. Sustainable overall planning does not take place due to the 

pressure of the existing economic situation. No consideration is given to the 

processes taking place in the buildings for the potential for profitable use at 

the time planning is made or in the future. 

The team therefore compiled general guidelines that can lead to a higher 

quality of the project in a deliberate planning process: 

» Involve landscape architects from the beginning 

» Require and promote competitions 

» Compile a site assessment report 

» Do not base access only on private motorized individuals 

» Enable horizontal and vertical mixed usage 

» Improve the quality of surroundings 

» Kardaun industrial park » Aerial view of Kardaun industrial park » Kardaun industrial park – view from the other side of the valley 

workshops 

45

workshops 

46 


group lisA koFink: “The new unTen” – visions For bolzAno souTh 

Participants: 

Heinrich Geier | Klaus Höller | Lisa Kofink | Thomas Pucher | Stephen 

Williams | Johannes Wohofsky 

Initial situation 

Bolzano South is the largest commercial and industrial zone in South Tyrol. It 

covers almost the same size as the rest of the city of Bolzano and is the first 

part of the town seen by new arrivals coming from the south. In addition to a 

few heavy industry businesses (steel), mainly processing is done. However, 

there are also service providers, retail, and technology-oriented businesses. 

In recent years, Bolzano South has become an attractive location for leisure 

businesses (bars, discos). The area has a high level of soil sealing; it also 

has a climatically unfavorable location, as it also warms the hot southerly 

winds before they reach the city center. The area has optimal accessibility, 

both for individual traffic and public transportation. 

» Bolzano South industrial zone 

Challenge 

The task facing the team was formulated as follows: 

Plan and design a new district of Bolzano that meets the needs of the 

industrial heritage and does justice to the social and architectural variety of 

the city. 

Vision 

In the discussion, the working group chose to concentrate on the aspects of 

economy, society, and urban planning from the broad scope of the task. 

Under the demand – From Post-Industrialism to “Süd-Tirolism” – guidelines 

were drawn up based on the objectives that looked at the existing situation 

and then defined the process and pointed out options for communication. 

The south of Bolzano is still “the” location, given the need for large space for 

commercial and industrial use. This means that the economic aspect is also 

a primary consideration when redesigning the area. The goal should be to 

promote sustainable economic feasibility without damaging the immediate 

economic feasibility. In the discussion, no hierarchy was specified, but it 

was determined that all three levels (economy, society, and urban planning) 

should be addressed equally. 

This location is currently subsidized to counteract the high vacancy rate 

of 30 % of the space. The main commercial use of the area is for trade, 

industry, commerce, fairs, services, and discos. The transformation process 

is concentrated on diversifying the already existing “mixed market” with 

high quality, local products. The communication of the location can be made 

under a mutual umbrella brand “A company from South Tyrol”. 

Ultimately, in a multifaceted society, people bring life even to industrial zones 

and by enjoying the time they spend there, they contribute to a qualitative 

upgrading of the area. The goal should be to enhance the quality with a 

“mixed culture” of living, working, leisure, and cultural variety. The existing 

structures are currently marked by a negative industrial image, which 

is slowly but surely being infused with a positive subculture. In addition, in 

South Tyrol, the separation between the German and the Italian culture still 

exists. The formation of a mixed culture could be the basis for a “global village”, 

both from the social and urban planning standpoint. However, this experiment 

in progress must be guided appropriately in order to communicate 

the resulting new feel of this district. 

Objective Sustainable feasibility 

Immediate feasibility 

Economy Society Urban/Spatial Planning 

Existing Building Subsidized 

30% vacancies 

Program: airport, fairs, shopping, offices, 

trades, heavy industry, discos, events 

= mixed usage 

Process 

„The New Unten“ 

Concentration on mixed markets with 

high quality products 

Communication “A Company from South Tyrol” (umbrella 

brand) 

Urban and spatial planning form the environment for repositioning the industrial 

zone with the goal of variety and overlapping different uses. The central 

location of the area with its clear borders and appropriate infrastructure for 

the requirements, the lack of green areas, and the ensuing high soil sealing 

and negative influence on the climate in the center of Bolzano (see Workshop 

3) are the existing conditions. 

The process of a new vision “The New Unten” is initiated by urban development 

changes. This urban development process can begin by converting 

industrial buildings to industrial landmarks with open uses (housing in a 

historical building). Crucial for sustainable projects is a long-term perspective 

for short- and mid-tem use (monitoring, project support). Dealing with 

public and private spaces must be the focus. Vertical spatial planning will 

play an increasingly important role when there is less available space. This 

can be the starting point for developing a future-oriented building typology. 

Undoubtedly a favorable starting point for communicating a “hip new district”, 

for discovering new living spaces. 

Quality of life 

“mixed culture” 

Housing-working-leisure 

Cultural variety 

“ Negative” industrial image (heavy industry 

moving out) 

“Positive” subculture (scope) increasing 

Cultural division Ger/Ital 

Mixed culture Ger+Ital 

“Global Village” 

experiment in progress 

Variety of uses 

Overlapping uses 

Central location | Clear borders 

Good infrastructure 

Lack of green areas 

High soil sealing 

Negative impact on climate in city center 

Urban planning = process 

Change from industrial buildings to industrial 

landmarks with open uses (living in a 

historic building) 

Long term perspectives for short- and medium-tem 

use (monitoring, project support) 

Vertical spatial planning 

Dealing with free space 

Experimental building typologies 

New feeling of life Hip district 

“ From Post-Industrialism to Süd-Tirolism” 

Discovering new living space 

workshops 

47

workshops 

48 


group Jürg rAgeTTli: souTh Tyrol is A region oF villAges 

Participants: 

Jens-Peter Frahm | Solweig Kieser | Andreas E. Müller | Martin Mutschlechner | 

Ernst Panse | Armin Strickner 

Starting point 

The subject and starting point of the observations is the village of Andrian 

between Bolzano and Terlan on the western side of the Passer valley. A 

town with a heterogeneous village structures, several centers of settlement, 

and isolated buildings surrounded by orchards and vineyards on the gentle 

slopes, in the center the cooperative winery, in the lower parts of the village 

are the fruit cooperative halls. 

Introduction 

The object for this topic is a commercial building at the foot of the village of 

Andrian, which is mostly vacant and should now be used with clever ideas 

such as “temporary living”. The focus of discussions quickly spread to the 

structures of the entire village. The discussions between foreign and local 

architects and “commercial parties” yielded a proposition and a recommendation. 

Comment 

The unsatisfactory commercial building at the lower entrance to the village 

is disastrous because its size does not integrate it into the town and its 

mediocre shape disfigures the town’s appearance, but it is not a symptom 

of completely faulty structures. A commercial structure could even be appropriate 

at this location if it were operationally and structurally plausible and 

were handled with a view to town planning and architecture. 

Observation 

There is a certain extent of sprawl, the heterogeneous structures are mostly 

based in and have grown out of agricultural development. Many of the building 

and agricultural/commercial structures are appropriate. The basic components 

are proper and fitting. 

Proposition: South Tyrol is a region of villages! 

This proposition was discussed in the working group. The group was aware of 

the following situation: 

The village is the starting point and core of the prosperity in South Tyrol. 

A mixture of housing and workplace. A concept for success. The details of 

social and economic structures are still mainly intact. Crafts and agriculture are 

rooted in firm structures; they have their own place and potential for development. 

The infrastructure for daily life, such as the indispensable grocery store, is 

present. The village has the potential of a local entity with global perspectives. 

Based on this proposition, the group made the following recommendation: 

» Aerial view of Andrian » The trading centre in Andrian in the rural environment » The trading centre in Andrian 

Recommendation: 

The certificate / label SÜDTIROLER DORF© (South Tyrolean village) 

A label to reinforce and develop the structural and regional, sociocultural, 

and economic identity. The SÜDTIROLER DORF© must fulfill certain 

criteria with respect to its economic, sociocultural, structural, and regional 

qualities. 

The “cittaslow” concept established in Italy in 1999 based on the slowfood 

movement (www.cittaslow.info) can be a guideline for this. 

A requirements profile must be defined for planning. Deliberate town planning 

and celebrated urbanization can be the concepts for specific development. 

The limits of building and neuralgic points must be defined, as they 

form the image of the town. 

The village is the wrong place for speculative construction of unnecessary 

commercial buildings. If a commercial/industrial structure has not been 

used within a certain period of about 5 years, it should be torn down. 

workshops 

49

workshops 

50 


conclusion 

How will commercial zones and industrial estates look in the future? How will a sustainable 

mixture of economic growth and protection of nature be achieved? The first workshop 

dealt with a fundamental problem of the Alpine region. High value creation and a 

high level of innovation in a prospering economy meet the natural limits of growth. Only 

around five percent of the land in South Tyrol is available for building on and this space 

must be shared by inhabitants, tourism, agriculture, and business. 

An initial analysis showed how fragile the balance of nature, infrastructure, commerce, 

agriculture, and man has become. This requires new thinking and planning beyond the 

borders of the communities. Industrial zones must be developed jointly in the future. 

Instead of parochialism, the constrictions and a mixture of uses should be the incentive 

for over arching regional planning. 

Tolerable building capacity in industrial areas goes beyond the bare figures and volumes, 

it does not come about until nature is recognized as a resource and included in 

the planning context. Instead of allowing industrial zones to sprawl and lead to conflicts 

between industry and nature, man and agriculture, in South Tyrol development opportunities 

arise only in the interaction of all forces. 

South Tyrol is the region of villages. Compact and open to the world, embedded in 

nature and tradition. 

In the future, the “Südtiroler Dorf” as a brand name should provide impulses for integrative 

building and thinking in the Alps. It reinforces the structural, regional, sociocultural, 

and economic identity and develops it further. 

workshops 

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workshops 

52 

workshop 2: urbAn sprAwl oF villAge sTrucTures AnD nATurAl spAces 

moDerATors menTors 

pArTicipAnTs pArTicipAnTs 

» Arch. gerD bergmeisTer 

bergmeisTerwolF Archi- 

TekTen, brixen | shAreholDer 

» JoseF blAsbichler 

DukA, brixen | mAnAging 

DirecTor sAnikA 

» ThomAs erlAcher 


bArbiAno / ponTe gAr- 

DenA |owner AnD mAn- 


» Dipl.-ing. Dr. Arch. 

ThomAs ebner | Division 

28 - nATure AnD lAnDscApe, 

AuTonomous province oF 

bolzAno souTh Tyrol 

» proF. Dr .-ing. mATThiAs 

cAsTorph | goeTz hooTz 

cAsTorph ArchiTekTen 

& sTADTplAner gmbh, 

munich | shAreholDer 

» Di ernsT giselbrechT 

ernsT giselbrechT + 

pArTner ArchiTekTur 

zT gmbh, grAz | owner 

» proF. Dipl.-ing. ruTh 

berkTolD msc. | yes 

ArchiTecTure, munich, 

grAz | shAreholDer 

» Dipl.-ing. ArchiTekT 

olAF Arne Drehsen 

JswD ArchiTekTen gmbh 

& co. kg, cologne | 

shAreholDer 

» Dipl.-ing. innenArchi- 

TekTur ulrike grAeFen- 

hAin | nps TchobAn voss, 

berlin | proJecT mAn- 

AgemenT 

» DieTmAr Auer 

AuroporT gmbh, brunico 

| owner AnD mAn- 


» Dipl.-ing. (Fh) mAnFreD 

ehrle | ArcAss Freie 

ArchiTekTen bDA, 

sTuTTgArT | pArTner 

» heiner grewsmühl 

peTersen pörksen pArT- 

ner ArchiTekTen + sTADT- 

plAner bDA, lübeck, hAm- 

burg | proJecT mAnAgemenT 

» Dipl.-ing. ThomAs groser 

DFA | DieTmAr Feich- 

Tinger ArchiTecTes, 

viennA | proJecT mAn- 

AgemenT 

» Dipl.-ing. innenArchi- 

TekTur veronikA kAmmerer 

| sTuDio loT, 

munich, AlTöTTing | 

pArTner 

» Dipl.-ing. (Fh) monikA 

obermüller | büro Für ArchiTekTur 

monikA ober- 

müller, wAlDkirchen | 

shAreholDer 

» Dipl.-ing. ninA hAmbrusch 

ArchiTecTs collec- 

Tives, viennA | 


» Dipl.-ing. (Fh) Doris 

Lischnewski | AĞirbAs 

wiensTroer ArchiTekTur 

& sTADTplAnung, neuss | 


» Dipl. ing. Jörg rADloFF 

Fink & Jocher Archi- 

TekTen unD sTADTplAner, 

munich | proJecT mAn- 

AgemenT 

» Dipl.-ing. roberT 

hArAnzA | querkrAFT 

ArchiTekTen zT gmbh, 

viennA | proJecT mAn- 

AgemenT 

» Dipl.-ing. Arch. mArTin 

mAxA | h4A gesserT + 

rAnDecker ArchiTek- 

Ten bDA, sTuTTgArT | 


» Dipl.-ing. (Fh) sTephAnie 

reichl | brückner & 

brückner, TirschenreuTh 

| proJecT mAn- 

AgemenT 

» Dipl.-ing. rAFFAelA 

hoFFmAnn | ArchiTekTur 

hoFFmAnn, mescheDe | 

owner 

» Dipl.-ing. ArchiTekT 

Jörg müller | Auer 

+ weber + AssoziierTe, 

sTuTTgArT | pArTner 

» gerT lAnz 

lAnz meTAll, ToblAch | 

owner 

workshops 

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workshops 

54 



Vibrant long-term settlement spaces need opportunities for development on the one 

hand and on the other hand, changes should not destroy the character of a town or existing 

values, but develop them positively where ever possible. In mountainous regions 

such as the Alps, settlement and natural spaces are intertwined more than in other areas 

and influence the mutual perception of each other. Building development is always town 

and nature development at the same time. Large-scale developments in the town and 

natural space therefore change the character and value of entire regions permanently. 

» Using the example of the “viles” (typical compact settlement structure in Ladin valleys), 

should options for an integral development of settlement and natural spaces be 

planned? 

» What parameters can be defined for the originality of a village structure, a natural 

area? 

» What role do building structures play today, what attention is paid to them in village 

centers, residential areas, trade zones? 

» In many areas, economic feasibility requires a large building. What ratios of building 

volume and nature are tolerable? What forms of linkage are conceivable? 

The participants of the workshop were divided into three groups: The first group – again 

divided into three sub-groups – dealt with the topic “further construction”, the second 

with the topic “stables”, and the third with the topic “hotel”. 

workshops 

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workshops 

56 


Topic 1: “FurTher consTrucTion” Topic 1: “FurTher consTrucTion” 

Group 1 

Participants: Ruth Berktold (mentor) | Veronika Kammerer | Gert Lanz | 

Jakob Meraner | Stephanie Reichl 

The group made an analysis of deficits and potential under the heading “Cooperation 

Viles”. Assessed as deficits were: the profitability of agriculture, 

(mass) tourism, partition of real estate (division of property among all heirs), 

the distances to the center and the infrastructure and traffic associated with 

them, and migration of young people away from villages. 

The potential of the “viles” lies in living quality, intact nature, cohesive village 

community with familiar traditions, the additional income from handicraftstourism-agriculture, 

and the existing traditional village structures. 

The group developed visions, the realization of which were begun immediately 

– further construction in the “viles”, always starting from the center, in 

the form of sensitive retroactive densification in order to retain the authentic 

village structure. Revitalize and reinvigorate the town, promote the return of 

inhabitants and prevent emigration. Make new developments possible and 

facilitate mixed usage. 

As strategies to achieve the visions, the following methods were suggested: 

Promote traditional agriculture (subsidies); an advisory committee to form 

the individual basic strategy for every village (master plan/concept); the 

population must be sensitized to the measures and encouraged to take 

responsibility in citizen initiatives whose results can be documented in a 

master plan. 

Group 2 

Participants: Matthias Castorph | Thomas Erlacher | Robert Haranza | Jörg 

Müller | Jörg Radloff 

This group came to the conclusion that the future for the “viles” lies in 

“neighbourly growth”. 

Irrespective of the actual ownership situation, every building lies in the center 

of a “force field circle”. The buildings are defined by the tasks they must 

fulfill, which determine the volume, the distance from one another, and topography. 

Overlaps of circles can be considered as sites for new buildings. 

Roof orientation is determined by the adjacent buildings. 

The deliberate re-densifying and minimal distance to an existing building 

reinterprets the quality of the town. The existing structures are the reference 

points. They are interpreted and transformed to fit the times. The typologies 

of the old layouts are reflected in the new buildings. Material, building form, 

and elements are oriented to the existing buildings in the “viles”. 

» Selective concentration of a “Viles“ »Force field circle analysis of a “Viles“ 

» Adaptation of rural architecture 

Group 3 

Participants: Dietmar Auer | Josef Blasbichler | Olaf Arne Drehsen | Doris 

Lischnewski | Monika Obermüller 

This group arrived at six results, formulated as follows: 

» Do not allow overdevelopment; ignore existing “failures”. 

» Make targeted structural additions; do not allow further construction in the 

bottoms of the valleys and preserve the view of the slopes. 

» Two typologies: town center with community buildings and edges of town 

with design statutes. 

» Retain agricultural use: Integrate the edges of town and building volumes 

into the topography. 

» Vitalize spaces: Enhance the design and convert existing outbuildings for 

other uses. 

» Dealing with hotels: Integrate small guest houses and consolidate large 

hotels in hamlets. 

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Topic 2: “sTAble” Topic 3: “hoTel” 

Participants: 

Manfred Ehrle | Heiner Grewsmühl | Thomas Groser | Nina Hambrusch 

In former times, people worked and lived harmoniously under one roof; 

the stable was either part of the house or directly next to it. More animals 

required larger areas to be managed. The stable in the house became too 

small. This resulted in the separation of living and working areas. 

Agricultural facilities were moved away. Existing spaces were upgraded; this 

led to densifying the area used for living in the center of the village. Parallel 

to this was the expansion of building complexes. The agricultural facilities 

such as stables were integrated into the landscape and implanted in the 

topography. 

Participants: 

Ernst Giselbrecht | Ulrike Graefenhain | Raffaela Hoffmann | Martin Maxa | 

Werner Volgger 

The group addressed the issue of whether hotels pose an opportunity or a 

risk for landscape, economy, and identity. 

The following results were reached. For the landscape, it was determined 

that hotel buildings should be erected where no other uses are possible. 

Despite this, the structure must be built with awareness of the surroundings 

and in a tolerable volume. Buildings in extreme situations awaken interest in 

visiting them. 

For the economy this means modern hospitality in an innovation society with 

an economic model for the future. The existing micro-urbanity of the small 

community is preserved. The cost effectiveness of building and operating a 

hotel is aided by a compact structure. 

For identity, the result is that the small community is preserved as a cultural 

entity. Hospitality and local traditions are the basis for this model and are 

consciously conveyed to guests. 

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workshops 

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conclusion 

The Alps and South Tyrol in particular pinpoint the opportunities and problems of our 

society. Will continued growth break up the remaining traditional structures or is longterm 

densification possible? This second workshop had the task of resolving this conflict 

situation. It impressed the need for vibrant village structures and landscapes that 

bring man, agriculture, and nature into balance. A “viles”, the typical settlement structure 

for Ladin valleys, was made the starting point for the analysis. 

The architects and town planners identified existing buildings and structures as cores. 

Around them they placed spheres of possible expansion for stables and residences. 

This was not about forced growth but intelligent expansion. The plan made it clear – the 

fabric to arise reflected the traditional compact settlement form. 

The workshop thus showed ways in which economic growth can go hand in hand with 

intact quality of life, thanks to sensitive planning and the guidance of a natural environment 

that sets the limits of building development. 

With this assessment, the second working group built a bridge to the recommendation 

of the first workshop, which had already recognized the opportunity offered by “Südtiroler 

Dorf“ and the “cittaslow” concept. 

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workshops 

62 

workshop 3: inTegrATive ArchiTecTure AnD energy sysTems 

moDerATors 

» proF. volkmAr bleicher 

universiTy oF sTuTTgArT | 

TrAnssolAr energie- 

Technik, sTuTTgArT | 

mAnAging DirecTor 

pArTicipAnTs 

» Dipl.-ing. (Fh) mArco 

FrAnzmAnn | bAumschlA- 

ger eberle sT. gAllen 

Ag | proJecT mAnAgemenT 

» cArlo cAlDerAn 

execuTive eDiTor oF The 

JournAl “TurrisbAbel“, 

bolzAno 

» clAuDiA brADlwArTer 

keyobJecT, bolzAno | 

public relATions AnD 

mArkeTing 

» volker hAlbAch 

blAurAum ArchiTecTs 

bDA, hAmburg | mAn- 


menTors 

» Dipl.-ing. eckehArT 

loiDolT | schneiDer & 

schumAcher, viennA | 

mAnAgemenT DirecTor 

» Toni erlAcher 


bArbiAno/ponTe gArDenA 

| owner AnD mAnAgemenT 

DirecTor 

» Dipl.-ing. (Fh) elmAr 

hAsler | bAumschlAger 

eberle sT. gAllen Ag | 


» sebAsTiAn Finckh 

J. mAyer h. ArchiTekTen, 

berlin | proJecT mAn- 

AgemenT 

» Dipl.-ing. corneliA 

herrmAnn | ch.Archi- 

TekTur, FrAnkFurT on 

The mAin | owner 

» norberT mAir 

keyobJecT, bolzAno | 


» Dipl. Des. Aks DAnielA 

sAchs rollmAnn | proF. 

rollmAnn & pArTner, 

homburg | pArTner 

» Dipl.-ing. (Fh) monikA 

mArAsz | viA movo bAu+ 

kunsT, DeTmolD | pArT- 

ner 

» cornelius schloTThAuer 

zAhA hADiD lTD. Ar- 

chiTecTure, lonDon, hAm- 

burg | AssociATe 

» ThomAs pohl 

lAnz meTAll, ToblAch | 


» Dipl.-ing. Arch. bDA 

proF. hAns sTruhk 

sTruhkArchiTekTen, 

brAunschweig | owner 

» michAel purzer 

Frener & reiFer meTAll- 

bAu, brixen | heAD oF 

mArkeTing AnD sAles 

» Dipl.-ing. ThomAs 

worTmAnn | nox/lArs 

spuybroek, roTTerDAm | 


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Industrial buildings have great potential for the use of intelligent energy systems. 

In growing industrial zones with a large share of older construction and a limited amount 

of space to expand in, new models for use must be found that are financially interesting for 

companies. The core of such models on the one hand are the building volume, its structure, 

construction, and materials. On the other hand are measures for conserving or generating 

energy and resources. 

» Highlight the existing structures? 

» Develop future-oriented models taking into consideration the 

town planning, architectural, and energy-saving possibilities? 

» Recommend measures for implementation 

inTroDucTory presenTATion by proF. volkmAr bleicher, TrAnssolAr energieTechnik gmbh; sTuTTgArT, munich, new york 

Contents 

» Energy and comfort in the sense of ecological architecture 

» Working method 

» Example: Masdar City, Abu Dhabi 

» Conclusion 

Energy and comfort in the sense of ecological architecture 

» Core question: How will our living space develop over the coming years – 

how should it develop? 

» 40 % of the global energy consumption goes to the buildings in which we 

live and work and 36 % of all global greenhouse gases are released. 

» More than half of the world’s population today lives in urban areas; tendency 

rising – in 2050 it is likely to be more than 70 %. 

» Every German spends a total of 14 days a year in the car. 

» The inhabitants of all the cities in the world cause 80 % of all greenhouse 

gas emissions. 

» Quote from urban theorist Jane Jacobs: “New ideas need old buildings, 

the tension between traditional and modern; it is not perfection that makes 

a town worth living but its authenticity.” 

CO2 emissions 

The current global average is 4t CO2/pers/a; this corresponds to a continuous 

fossil output of 1,800 W/person. 

The goal in Switzerland is the 2,000-watt society: 

“sustained emission“: < 1t CO2/pers/a, this is equivalent to a continuous 

fossil output of 500 W/person. However: wealth and economic growth 

require a continuous output of 2,000W/pers. 

Comfort in the sense of ecological construction is perceived by humans as 

satisfying. 

Parameters for comfort are: 

» Solar radiation (warmth/light), daylight, fresh air. The perceived temperature 

is the operative temperature, the sum of air temperature (humidity) 

and the reflected surface temperature. In the building process, these parameters 

are defined by limits in U-value, G-value, light transmission, direct 

sunlight, transparency, and sound insulation. 

The levels perceived by people are influenced by color (light reflection), surface 

consistency (spackled, metal, concrete, wood, carpet), and acoustics 

of the space. 

Method 

Site analysis with the influences on the building such as: temperature, radiation 

of warmth and cold from adjacent zones, rain/snow, microclimate. 

Working method using the example of Masdar City – Zero Carbon City, 

Abu Dhabi, UAE 

Architect: Foster & Partners, London 

Built for: Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company 

Definition of a sustainable city according to the World Wildlife Fund – One 

Planet Living 

» No CO 2 emissions 

» No waste 

» Sustainable transport and transportation systems 

» Sustainable materials 

» Sustainable food chain 

» Sustainable water cycle 

» Preservation of habitats and species 

» Cultural heritage 

» Fair trade 

» Health 

Location and climatic conditions – temperature, humidity, sunlight 

The location for Masdar City has four very hot and humid summer months 

from May to August and four very pleasant winter months from November to 

February with respect to temperature and humidity. The mean annual temperature 

is 27°C, corresponding to the temperature of the ground at a depth 

of 10 m. The annual solar radiation reaches 2205 kWh/m²a. 

Functional units 

The various functional units such as housing, business, education, community, 

technology park, etc. are distributed across the city. This mixture 

counteracts the formation of monotonous zones. 

The construction phases can be made successively as needed and guarantee 

the desired mixed usage in the individual segments. 

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Approaches 

As the basis for the concept of a sustainable city in the desert, historical 

examples such as Bagh e Shahzadeh (Iran) and Shibam (Yemen) were studied. 

These cities are marked by multi-story, closely placed cubic structures. 

The buildings provide shade for the narrow streets and public squares. The 

buildings are accessed through courtyards. They are the center of the inhabitants’ 

lives. A system developed over centuries is used to provide lighting 

and ventilation that is perceived as pleasant for human needs. 

The intended dense construction has a positive effect on the lower consumption 

of oil as fuel. The greater the urban density of persons per hectare, 

the lower the consumption of oil in MJ per year and person. If we compare 

densities, in European suburbs, 18 people live on one hectare of land. In a 

densified city, 140 persons live on a hectare. At this density, 40,000 inhabitants 

travel a distance of 700,000 km/day in daily traffic, 70 % less than the 

residents of a suburb who travel 2,000,000 km/day. The CO 2 emissions per 

year correspond to these figures. 

Traffic consumes space, for driving and for parking. Thee following data can 

be calculated for one user: pedestrians move at 5 km/h and need an area of 

0.8 m²/person, cyclists move at 10 km/h and need 3 m²/person, a passenger 

car travels at 40km/h in town and needs 60 m²/person, and a fully occupied 

streetcar or subway uses the least space. It transports a person at 20 km/h, 

using only 1.5 m²/person. 

Without combustion motors, reduced urban ventilation is possible; the hothumid 

wind in the occupied zones of the city can be reduced. The winds are 

led across green areas during the day to cool them off. The city is cooled off 

at night in the opposite direction with cool winds from land. 

A conventional city generates 1,750,000 tons of CO2 per year – 80 % of 

it from conventional architecture and energy production, 13 % from waste 

disposal, and 7 % from traffic (fossil fuels). 

This is an incentive to promote sustainable cycles for water and energy. 

The design guidelines for buildings take all aspects of a CO 2 neutral city into 

consideration and are set up as follows: 

» Local climatic conditions 

» Assessment at the urban level 

» Design guidelines for urban development 

» Generic building and street models 

» Assessments of base loads and microclimate 

» System recommendations 

» Limits of regenerative energy production at the urban level 

» Final load profiles and conditions for a typological development 

Conclusion 

» Because of the limited density of energy from regenerative energy sources 

such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, an initial step must be lead 

towards minimizing loads and consumption. 3 E’s: energy consumption, 

system efficiency, and regenerative energy systems. 

» A sustainable CO 2 -neutral concept cannot be solved by technical designs 

alone. 

» It also entails changes in our everyday behaviour with respect to expectations 

of comfort, mobility, water, energy, and material consumption, and 

waste production. 

» All energies must come from regenerative sources and, like all materials, 

be used in a cycle system. 

declArAtion of the BolzAno South induStriAl zone 

Bolzano South industrial zone 

After Mussolini grabbed power in 1922, he attempted to incorporate the 

former Austrian provinces of Bolzano and Trient into Italian territory ideologically 

as well. It was his goal to create an Italian industrial city with 100,000 

inhabitants out of Bolzano and Gries, which at that time were two separate 

communities with a total population of 25,000. South of Bolzano, steel 

plants and processing plants were established, although neither iron ore nor 

coal were mined in the surrounding area. The location was probably chosen 

with the intent of reducing the agricultural economy of the German-speaking 

population by confiscating the cultivated areas. An elaborate infrastructure 

with freight rail stations and supply rails completed the project. 

The industrial structures in rationalismo style and the new residential districts 

between Bolzano and Gries, some in historicist style, some in the 

monumental style associated with the fascist regime, contributed to discrediting 

the ideas of modernism in the eyes of the German-speaking population. 

The goal of 100,000 inhabitants was not reached until long after World War 

II, but urban planning in Bolzano is still suffering today from the politically 

motivated decisions made at that time. The best locations of the city with 

the largest amount of sunlight in South Tyrol are still used for industrial purposes. 

In addition, the summery afternoon wind from Lake Garda through the Etsch 

valley across the sealed soil in the south of Bolzano raises temperatures up 

to 40° C in the city.* 

The Oberau industrial zone in the south of Bolzano is bordered on the east 

by the steep slopes of the Rotwand rising above Haslach. The Eisack flows 

from the northeast in an arch to the west of the industrial zone and continues 

south. Along the Eisack, the autobahn passes above the shores of the Eisack 

on bridges and separates the residential structure of Bolzano from the industrial 

zone. Below the autobahn, the main road is directly next to the river. In 

the south, the industrial zone ends abruptly and agricultural areas begin. The 

industrial zone is arranged in an orthogonal street network. The main roads 

are north to south, and the east-west access roads branch off from them. 

Within the industrial zone, there are unused spaces and vacant buildings. 

The northern tip of the triangle points towards Bolzano and its train station, 

which is now the main entrance to the historic old town. There is no visible 

connection between the old town and the industrial zone. 

*Text by: Lukas Abram 

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group volkmAr bleicher: energy-eFFiciency concepT 

Conditions and structures 

The climatic constraints (temperature, wind [temperature, direction], sun, 

microclimate) have a considerable influence on the living quality and energy 

consumption of the quarter. The warm southeasterly winds were determined 

to be a special feature of the location, additionally warming the broad streets 

in the same direction. In addition, considerable energy-efficiency potential 

was localized from the geological conditions (high ground water level, moist 

soil). A striking feature of the existing infrastructure (supplies, traffic, waste 

removal) is the dominating road network. Also important for sustainable 

development is the relation of working to housing. This can lead to a reduction 

of traffic and thus of streets, which leads to an improvement of living 

quality. Housing is not currently available at the location. 

Other important factors at the location: 

» Smog at times 

» Existing wood resources 

Development/recommendation 

Based on these parameters, and urban development and energy-saving plan 

was developed with the following recommendations: 

» Streets in NE-SW direction should be narrow and not thoroughfares, so the 

hot wind is not funneled into the city. 

» The existing streets should be converted to a zigzag pattern with new 

green spaces, water, and densification through housing, thus creating better 

living quality and housing. 

» Wide streets and new access should be developed in east-west direction, 

bringing a cool wind. 

» De-centralized geothermal power plants and wood power plants (location 

depending on wind conditions). 

» Use of solar energy for producing heat and electricity. 

» Some solar updraft towers on the slopes for generating energy and reducing 

smog. 

Summary: Volkmar Bleicher, 16 July 2010 

group sebAsTiAn Finckh: AspecTs oF The TrAFFic sTrucTure 

The group had the task of developing potential strategies for improving the 

situation in the industrial zone south of Bolzano under the aspect of the traffic 

structure. 

The problem of traffic volume was studied in the center and at the edges of 

the industrial zone. It became clear that the topographically varied sides of 

the triangular zone had different characteristics. 

Side of the triangle to the northwest of the Eisack: 

The historic working-class district on the right bank of the Eisack is more 

separated from than connected to the industrial zone by the few bridges 

on the river, parallel to which the elevated autobahn runs. The interchange 

ramps for the Bolzano autobahn occupy a great deal of space south of the 

industrial zone. The result is that vehicle traffic to the old town of Bolzano 

mixed with transport traffic has to navigate the streets of the industrial zone, 

which were not intended for this purpose. 

Side of the triangle to the northeast of Rotwand: 

At the foot of the mountains the steep slopes form an even clearer boundary 

that is accentuated by the rail line that runs here. 

Southern side of the triangle: 

Here the area borders on the small Bolzano airfield. The only potential for 

future development lies in this direction. 

Three goals were drawn up for the recommendations that were to be made 

for improving the existing situation, taking into consideration a future sustainable 

development. 

» Promote a mixture of uses in the area. 

» Improve traffic connections. 

» Untangle the diffuse traffic situation. 

These objectives should enhance the attractiveness of the industrial zone for 

other uses and thus improve the overall density and efficient use of space. 

The following solutions were discussed in the group: 

A new mode of public transportation should be developed combining 

elevated train, cable railway, and streetcars, similar to the systems used in 

the past in the World Expos in Hanover and Barcelona. Using stations placed 

on existing buildings and rails about street level, space can be given multiple 

uses and overlapping use is generated. The passenger compartments can 

circulate at a relatively high speed and be shunted away from the flow of 

traffic for entering and leaving. 

This should reduce commuter traffic considerably. Existing parking spaces 

and the access spaces on rooftops can be used for more attractive purposes 

(greening, restaurants, swimming pools, housing, gardens etc.). 

More greened areas, e.g. on rooftops, prevent the industrial zone from heating 

up in the summer and contribute to improving the microclimate in the old 

town. Putting traffic on different levels makes more efficient use of the (now 

jam-free) streets for the necessary deliveries. These measures contribute to 

improving the living quality in the area. 

The modes of transportation to be developed, e.g. by a local company 

experienced in building cable railways, can create a ring connection of the 

old town with the industrial zone through a terminal building (Park & Ride) 

near the autobahn ramp in the south of Bolzano. Along this ring, the traffic 

volume can be reduced considerably. If it proves itself as an experimental 

prototype, the new mode of transportation could be seen as the ecological 

and economical solution for cities with similar problems and thus help 

sustainably develop the future-oriented technological standard of the region. 

Linkage with the recently modernized regional rail line would also be useful 

and possible. Finally, such an innovative means of transportation would be 

an additional attraction for Bolzano, which has not yet developed its tourism 

potential. 

The resulting mixture of uses (housing and working) in the area studied can 

absorb some of the housing pressure in the valley. A new building type for 

this purpose has already been established in this district. 

Summary: Sebastian Finckh, 27 June 2010 

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group eckehArT loiDolT: AspecTs oF urbAn sTrucTures 

The existing development plan for the industrial zone south of Bolzano is 

interpreted in various ways depending on the needs of the construction 

companies. It sets the master conditions with building lines, heights, and 

density/sealing for use as production sites or services. 

Vision 

From area to spaces. The goal must be to improve the living quality in the 

existing industrial zone in order to give an attractive design and add new 

vitality to the area of Bolzano through mixed usage as a commercial and 

residential area. The existing model “area for commercial use” must be 

expanded in the spatial dimension and beyond the horizon of function. 

The following measures can contribute to this 

The existing street and road network should be adapted to the personal scale and 

not be designed only for vehicle traffic. 

» Access to the center of Bolzano through green areas for cycle and pedestrian 

routes (perhaps along the Eisack) and realignment of the street axes to create 

barriers against the hot midday ora winds. 

» Organizing the movement of people. 

» Reducing car traffic through innovative public transportation. 

» Redesigning street profiles, e.g. with shade trees and different surfaces. 

Lots need to be sized for commercial usage and innovative expansion or retroactive 

changes of usage. Moreover, a compact or dense appearance of building 

structure should be counteracted by appropriate measures, e.g. use of rooftops 

as green zones or for photovoltaic systems or generating energy. 

The new district in the former industrial zone should be enhanced with functions 

of everyday needs for moderate mixed usage. These include primarily grocery 

stores, cafes and restaurants, and childcare centers, but cultural events also 

function as a generator for improving quality of living and achieving a good “mixture”. 

» Graphics: Prof. Hans Struhk 

workshops 

71

workshops 

72 


conclusion: 

The conclusion of the third workshop is to move way from single buildings, toward 

more integrative planning. Based on a thorough analysis of the Bolzano South industrial 

zone, the participants drew up recommendations as to how a monostructure can grow 

into a varied mixture of uses for working, living, and leisure. 

First, the potential of the area was determined. Its compact structure should be retained 

externally and be differentiated internally. Green rooftops and water reservoirs improve 

the microclimate; solar thermal energy and solar cells on the factory roofs support the 

ecological upgrading. As soon as heavy industry has left Bolzano, the pace of change 

will accelerate. Streets can follow the topography. New development in east-west direction 

will break up the hot midday wind from Lake Garda and lower the average temperatures 

by up to two degrees. 

Finally, the workshop made a daring look into the future. An elevated cable railway could 

connect the old city and the industrial zone on the second level. The ring railway reduces 

commuter traffic and offers commuters and new residents a reliable, environmentally 

friendly transportation system. 

The challenge was clear – targeted investment in infrastructure saves energy and acts 

as a catalyst for sustainable modification of existing monostructures to a multi-faceted 

mixture of industry and housing, man and nature. 

workshops 

73

Discussion 

74 

lecture & Podium diScuSSion 

75 lecTure

lecTure 

76 

lecTure by AsTriD piber: 

un Studio deSign model – key functionS in Architecture 

» AsTriD piber 

» pArTner un sTuDio, AmsTerDAm 

» www.unsTuDio.com 

Astrid Piber is a partner at UNStudio with more than ten years of experience as implementing architect for 

urban development projects and international competitions such as the Ponte Parodi project in Genoa and 

the master plan for the harbor in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The completed projects Galleria Luxury Hall West 

(Seoul, 2003-2004) and Star Place Luxury Shopping Plaza, Kaohsiung (2006-2008) awakened her interest for 

other projects in planning with mixed uses and retail, such as Galleria Cheonan (2008-2010) and Raffles City 

Hangzhou (2008-2012). Since 2006 she has been part of the UNStudio management team and since 2008 a 

partner at UNStudio. 

un sTuDio 

UNStudio – established in 1988 by Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos – is an 

architecture firm in the Netherlands specialized in architecture, urban planning, 

and infrastructures. The letters UN stand for United Network and refer 

to the team character of the company. A number of long-term objectives 

form the basis for all the firm’s work. They characterize and determine the 

quality of building services. We strive to make a significant contribution to 

the architecture of our time, constantly improve our performance in design, 

building technology, expertise, and management, and prove ourselves as 

specialists for public network projects. 

For us, the environment, market requirements, and carrying out the owner’s 

wishes complement one another. They all facilitate our work, and we strive 

to achieve results that fulfill our own expectations as well as the owner’s 

objectives. Our employees come from various countries. Every one of them 

has training and experience in various technical areas. As networkers, we 

have developed a highly flexible system of working in our office that includes 

parametric design and cooperation with leading specialists in other disciplines. 

Using the know-how from other relevant disciplines makes it easier 

for us to try out different design strategies, in which we process space utilization 

programs, building technologies, and movement or traffic analyses 

to integrated designs. Since it was established, UNStudio has designed a 

wide range of construction and other projects at its headquarters in Amsterdam 

for the Netherlands and abroad – from public buildings, transportation 

structures, office and residential buildings to furniture, products, and urban 

development master plans. 

Among the most important UNStudio projects are the new Mercedes Benz 

Museum in Stuttgart (2001-2006), the Galleria department store in Seoul, 

Korea (2005), the ViLLA NM residence in the US state of New York (2002- 

2007), the Agora Theater in Lelystad, Netherlands (2004-2007), and the 

Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam (1990-1996). 

UNStudio avoids preconceived style decisions and develops its own architectural 

designs based on thorough research, with the focus on issues 

of structural arrangement. After we have drawn up a clear concept for a 

specific task, we test the parameters of the space utilization program using 

three-dimensional models. These models allow us to determine and take 

into consideration aspects such as routing, infrastructure, and program density. 

From the results of these analyses, coherent and logical space arrangement 

and supporting structures are developed – and from them, the external 

shape of the building in question. 

UNStudio knows that the tasks of architecture are currently subject to profound 

changes. New building technology developed by industry, the current 

transnational conditions for construction activity, new design technology 

and the changed, more complex functional nature of the architectural project 

itself have motivated us to develop new work strategies. 

Our team prefers an “integral” approach to architecture, this means a nonhierarchical, 

multifaceted, imaginative design process that keeps everything 

in mind and takes all facets of architectural products into consideration. 

Time, purpose, construction method, and all other material and virtual 

systems and fundamental values are analysed, visualized, related to one 

another, and finally integrated into one all-encompassing building design. 

The shifting tasks in the area of building technology, urban development, and 

infrastructure planning are among the most important parameters of architectural 

design and implementation. They all coexist in every single project. 

The new, integral visualization of a design is a challenge to our fantasy, for us 

to take the plunge from construction to spatial effect and from spatial effect 

to spatial arrangement. 

lecTure 

77

lecTure 

78 

The lecTure: un Studio deSign model – key functionS in Architecture 

For the last three days, the temperatures in South Tyrol have been the highest 

so far this year. It’s almost too hot in the assembly hall of the state vocational 

school in Bolzano. Still, some 100 architects and those interested in 

architecture have taken the opportunity to hear Astrid Piber. Because of her 

international work, where she uses English, currently mainly in China, she 

had difficulty finding the right words in German to explain the comprehensive 

model. 

If you have been to Rotterdam you will recall how the Erasmus Bridge connects 

the harbor and the city in one grand gesture. Astrid Piber used the 

famous early work by the Amsterdam architecture firm UNStudio as an example 

of how to enter new design terrain. Suitable calculation models help 

to master complex building tasks. 

For years, the architects at UNStudio have studied how to describe the flow 

of movement and goods and requirement profiles using an analytical design 

method and implement them in architecture. Design models such as 

deep planning, V model, mathematical model, blob-to-box model, and the 

inclusivity principle provide rational grids that combine topography and user 

profiles with the cultural context. 

Of course, extracting this mixed culture and using it productively for a design 

is quite a different challenge in South Tyrol than for the Rotterdam train station, 

for example. 

Piber has completed a range of projects from the Ponte Parodi in Genoa 

harbor to the Mercedes Benz Museum to the concert hall in Graz and Raffles 

City towers in Hangzhou, China. Her conclusion is that architecture and urban 

planning mean “understanding the internal qualities of projects”. Just back 

from China, she paused a moment and then said, “alpitecture meant two 

very inspiring days to get back to earth.“ 

» Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart, 2006 

lecTure 

79

Discussion 

80 

AlpiTecTure FinAl Discussion: AlPS – technology – Architecture AlpiTecTure FinAl Discussion: AlPS – technology – Architecture 

PArticiPAntS: 

» Dipl.-ing. AsTriD piber 

un sTuDio, AmsTerDAm | 

pArTner 

» Dipl.-ing. eckehArT loiDolT 

schneiDer & schumAcher, 

viennA | mAnAging Direc- 

Tor 

» Dipl.-ing. georg kloTzner 

höller & kloTzner Archi- 

TekTen, merAno | pArTner 

» Dr. mArkus wAlDer, 

eos. – exporT orgAnisATion 

oF souTh Tyrol For The 

chAmber oF commerce in 

bolzAno | DepuTy DirecTor 

» proF. volkmAr bleicher 

universiTy oF ApplieD sci- 

ences sTuTTgArT | TrAnsso- 

lAr energieTechnik, sTuTT- 

gArT |mAnAging DirecTor 

PreSentAtion 

» Dipl.-ing. ernsT giselbrechT 

| ernsT giselbrechT 

+ pArTner, grAz | 

owner 

» Dipl.-ing. cArlo cAlDerAn 

execuTive eDiTor oF The 

JournAl “TurrisbAbel“, 

bolzAno 

» Dr. oliver herwig 

JournAlisT, AuThor, moDerATor, 

munich 

“It’s too warm, and soon rockfalls will begin. But there is no point in lamenting 

the destruction of the mountains, especially when you are one of those 

who are contributing to the melting ice. After all, I used to plead for the 

preservation of the mountains, but I still drove a car.” 

Reinhold Messner, Westwand, 2009. 

We look up into the mountains and then back to the valley. How can beautiful 

landscapes be preserved in the interaction of man and nature, architecture 

and infrastructure? This question ignited a controversy in the high quality 

podium discussion in the assembly hall of the Bolzano regional vocational 

school. Developing the valleys is the simpler solution; protecting the slopes 

is the challenge. Concentration is not an option. But a look at traditional 

settlement types and structures is an asset, a profitable way to the future. 

What role do architects and urban planners play in all this? A consensus 

was reached here – Architecture has the power to present changes and bring 

them about, but it can do little without a basis in society and resonance in 

the population. Building culture is not just a big word, building culture means 

actually dealing with tradition, landscape, and people, whose respective desires 

and needs must be harmonized with the demands of the future. 

Landscape, lost nature is just not reversible, it was heard. Accordingly, increased 

efforts were made to encourage the interaction of politics, business, 

and architects, for example in the revitalization of industrial areas, which 

must be transformed from purely production sites to vibrant districts that 

are linked to cities and communities. South Tyrol has the prerequisites for 

such a qualitative modification – thanks to the mentality of its citizens and 

the planning instruments of its regional planners. Building is a process that 

yields quality only after generations. For this, it does not need mega-cities or 

skyscrapers that could compete with the Dolomites. 

Individualism is an important part of identity and is expressed in the quality 

of what is built. But preserving it requires everyone to join in a social effort. 

In particular, politicians, citizens, and planners have to be brought together 

and become enthusiastic about the goal of preserving the Alps in the future 

as a place worth living in, in harmony with economy and nature. 

The guests continued the stimulating discussion in the warm summer 

evening at a typical South Tyrolean buffet. 

Discussion 

81

PArticiPAntS

impressions 

84 

“alpitecture is an outstanding initiative, 

not only for thinking jointly about architecture 

in the Alps, but also experiencing 

it up close. In this respect it is one of the 

very important initiatives for the building 

tradition. Whoever has had the chance 

to experience it must ask himself why 

such initiatives and hospitality are not 

practiced everywhere in Europe.” 

Ernst Giselbrecht, owner of Ernst Giselbrecht 

+ Partner Architektur, Graz 

“I was very happy and excited about coming to South Tyrol, which I was familiar with from vacations years 

ago. I was quite surprised by the economic and cultural development of the last decades and by the great, 

multifaceted architectural scene in South Tyrol. The encounters with craftsmen, industry, spatial and traffic 

planning, etc. gave insights into building culture, economy, and regional development and the emerging opportunity 

for the future that networking presents. 

The new culture of building and technology is evident and is being followed closely in the world. It is true to the 

esthetic modernism and the tradition of South Tyrol, apparent in the architectural and technical expression of the 

frequently practiced building with wood. The lectures, excursions, workshops, and discussions on the topics of 

architecture and technology in the Alpine regions of South Tyrol and dealing with the topography, climate, culture, 

and landscape in this regard were very enriching for me and encourage further contacts. A great success!” 

Prof. Hans Struhk, owner of struhkarchitekten Planungsgesellschaft mbH, Braunschweig 

Thank you for the good management. It is certainly no easy task to guide a “pack” of individualists with 

charm, friendliness, and firmness. But you were successful. The trip was interesting and full of adventures. 

Interesting, because I have already reported to acquaintances about it,... it’s always a good sign when 

there’s something to talk about. 

Manfred Ehrle, partner at Arcass Architekten Stuttgart 

“Thank you for the fantastic time and precious experience that you made 

possible with your wonderful alpitecture initiative. I am very happy to have 

been able to be part of it and I will always remember your holistic work of 

art.“ 

Monika Marasz, free-lance architect, Detmold 

“It was great fun to travel around South Tyrol. The excursions, the lectures, 

and the workshops gave me many ideas and I learned a lot about South 

Tyrol and the Alpine region.” 

Cornelius Schlotthauer, Associate Zaha Hadid Architects Hamburg 

“An interesting exchange of ideas with colleagues. An interesting exchange 

of ideas with companies. A broadening of the horizon regarding company 

structures on the other side of the Brenner. A very interesting tour de force 

through the vineyards and industrial regions of South Tyrol. Looking back, 

a colorful kaleidoscope of impressions, but also relaxing hours in what I 

found to be a very pleasant hotel. I personally would have liked more time 

for the workshop, not too much, but maybe another half a day. I made very 

interesting contacts and spent days rich in variety.” 

Ursula Faix, partner at bad architects group, Innsbruck 

“Thank you again for the lovely and inspiring trip. I saw and heard many interesting things and I met many nice people. I will meet some of them in South 

Tyrol in the fall.” 

Jens-Peter Frahm, partner at Schweger Associated Architects, Berlin 

impressions 

85

pArTners 

86 

PArtnerS 

pArTners 

87

pArTners 

88 

AuroporT - compeTence in Door soluTions 

Auroport has stood for excellent door and gate concepts for more than 30 

years. The competence of the company lies in implementing architectural 

designs for movable building closures. 

In the plant near Brunico, 28 employees produce special gate systems, 

house doors, yard gates, and special function gates (bullet resistant, airtight, 

waterproof, sound-proof) to meet the highest technical and architectural 

demands. 

www.auroport.it 

duka is a specialist for shower enclosures. The utmost goal of product 

development is creating multi-faceted options for customized interior design. 

Custom-made products, perfection in technology and quality, and short 

delivery times have been the mark of the company since it was established 

in 1979. 

Technical details such as the innovative adhesive technique, elegant sliding 

elements, or the fold-swing system are designed down to the smallest detail 

and produced at the plant. 

The partner company Sanika develops and sells prefabricated, lightweight 

bathrooms and has 2 product lines that cover market demands. With a production 

of about 3,000 prefabricated bathrooms a year, Sanika is one of the 

market leaders in this sector in Europe. 

» DieTmAr Auer 

owner AnD mA- 

nAging Direc- 

Tor 

DukA – The shower enclosure | sAnikA – preFAbricATeD bAThroom 

www.duka.it 

» chrisTiAn 

krApF | business 

operA- 

Tions sAnikA 

» mArTin kuss- 

TATscher | DukA 

brAnD mAnAgemenT 

» hAnnes Auer 

responsible 

For plAnning 

AnD DevelopmenT 

» pepi blAsbichler 

| mAn- 

Aging Direc- 

Tor sAnikA 

erlAcher innenAusbAu – bAseD on TrADiTion, orienTeD To The FuTure 

Erlacher Innenausbau specializes in acoustics and soundproofing solutions 

as well as lighting concepts for implementing customized contemporary 

architecture. 

Its strength is in furnishings for upscale hotels, restaurants, apartments, and 

resorts, public buildings, administration buildings, banks and offices, libraries, 

boarding schools, retirement and nursing homes, and private homes. 

Since 1976, the company has produced high quality interior finishings and 

complete solutions up to turnkey handover. 

www.erlacher.it 

Frener & reiFer meTAllbAu – builDing shells, meTAl AnD glAss consTrucTions 

“We find solutions where others do not even look. We find the limits of what 

is technically feasible. For unusual designs by excellent architects.” 

The company was established in 1974 by Georg Frener and Franz Reifer 

in Brixen, South Tyrol. The focus is on consulting, developing, designing, 

project management, producting, and installing sustainable customer solutions. 

Special developments for building shells, exclusive constructions in 

glass, metal, and other materials – for all types of buildings. 

The headquarters is in Brixen, with branches in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, 

France, Russia, and the US. 

www.frener-reifer.com 

» Toni erlAcher 


Direc- 

Tor 

» ThomAs erlAcher 

| owner 

AnD mAnAging 

DirecTor 

» heinrich geier 

mArkeTing | 

sAles AnD Dis- 

TribuTion in- 

TernATionAl 

» michAel purzer 

heAD oF mArkeTing 

AnD sAles 

pArTners 

89

pArTners 

90 

höller kg – perFecT rooms 

The company has been owner-managed since it was established in1949 and 

produces custom-designed furnishings for public buildings, upscale hotels, 

banks, and private homes for the discerning taste. 

As a highly specialized interior furnishings business, HÖLLER combines 

planning skill with handling technical details including acquiring and integrating 

unusual materials. The employees are specialists and plan and produce 

all products with certified quality on a production area of 5,000 m². 

www.hoeller.com » JAkob merAner 

keyobJecT – your wish. our goAl. 

The company specializes in turnkey interior construction. KeyObject is 

seated in Bolzano and has a branch in Munich. The team complements its 

partners in a perfectly functioning network, allowing projects to be carried 

out smoothly. 

The combination of innovative design, perfect functionality, and production 

featuring craftsmanship gives turnkey interior fittings an individual, thus unmistakable 

character. The result of planning is timeless, innovative design, 

perfect functionality, and durability. 

www.keyobject.it 

» klAus höller 


Direc- 

Tor höller kg 

» gAbriel Troger 

sAles mAnAger 

| inTernA- 

TionAl pro- 

JecTs 

» clAuDiA 

brADlwArTer 

public relATions 

AnD 

mArkeTing 

mAsTer cArpen- 

Ter | sAles AnD 

proJecT mAn- 

Ager 

» norberT mAir 


AnD 

shAreholDer 

lAnz meTAll – soluTions in glAss & meTAl 

LANZ Metall has stood for a wide range of high quality services since 1963, 

ranging from classic metalwork to innovative project solutions to customer- 

specific special designs. The professional combination of experienced 

craftsmanship and the newest technical know-how makes LANZ Metall a 

competent partner for glass and metal work in construction. 

www.lanz.bz.it 

» gerT lAnz 

owner 

» ThomAs pohl 


pArTners 

91

orgAnizers 

92 

orgAnizerS 

orgAnizers 

93

orgAnizers 

94 

AlpiTecTure – The unique plATForm For communicATing new iDeAs on The 

Themes oF “The Alps, ArchiTecTure AnD Technology” wAs sTimulATeD by 

Ap35 AnD iniTiATeD by eos. – exporT orgAnisATion oF souTh Tyrol For The 

chAmber oF commerce in bolzAno. 

“We are smoothing the way for new customers and markets“ 

EOS. supports South Tyrolean companies in setting up and consolidating markets. EOS. links networks, uses 

synergies and in this way contributes to increasing competitiveness and long-term to achieving prosperity in 

South Tyrol. 

EOS. – Export Organisation of South Tyrol for the Chamber of Commerce in Bolzano 

Via Alto Aldige 60/Südtiroler Straße 60 | I – 39100 Bolzano | T. +39 04 71.94 57 50 | www.eos-export.org 

ap35 GmbH Architecture Management & Relationship Marketing is the agency for brand strategy, brand presentation 

as well as brand communication in the specialist area of architecture. Our focus is orientated towards 

architects as well as companies with a main emphasis on architecture. Our agency content encompasses: marketing, 

advice, strategy, corporate design, communication design, public relations, graphic design as well as event 

management. Our agency is a partner of internationally successful architects and companies. 

ap35 GmbH | Magirus-Deutz Str. 12 | D – 89077 Ulm | T. +49 731.140 225 0 | www.ap35.de 

pArTners AnD meDiA pArTners oF AlpiTecTure were: 

supporTeD by 

solutions in 

glass & metal 

pArTners 

95

www.alpitecture.com 

ap35 gmbh 

magirus-Deutz str. 12 

D – 89077 ulm 

t. +49 731.140 225 0 

f. +49 731.140 225 20 

office.ulm@ap35.de 

www.ap35.de

Südtirol | South tyrol | Alto Adige - alpitecture

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