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architecture
Modernism and tradition
If a ranking of the most s ignificant architectural regions in the world were to be drawn up today, V orarlberg would, without a doubt, be in the top ten. However, this doesn’t just mean the significance of the individual constructions, but also their number and density. This phenomenon is comparatively new. Whilst it is true that V orarlberg’s baroque master builders are a fixed feature in specialist literature, whenever the Vorarlberg school of architecture or architects are mentioned, they mean the generation born since 1950 which has been influencing the architecture here for about the past 30 years. Without counting the handful of pioneers that preceded them, this amounts to over 60 people: considering the 400,000 inhabitants, this is an amazing number. Such a ratio is only possible in a region where architecture is appreciated, where one in four houses is designed by architects. From construction artists to architects However, this is the result, rather than the explanation, of a development. “Construction artists” is what
the players called themselves at the start since, in the face of a v ehement conflict with the “establishment” of the building industry and chamber, the title “architect” was refused. According to one of the pioneers, public appearances, the joining of forces and dialogue were important right from the start. The ideal founded in terms of social p olicy – social, affordable, sustainable, regional – promoted the solidarity of a generation that was searching for new life forms and other ways of cultural expression, that was resisting the sell-out of their land, and that found expression in building. The new type of architecture started off in residential buildings – by way of examining already existing buildings or as a new structure, often for residential groups – and grew into a clear sign of the cultural restoration which soon extended to the economic elite and the public sector. However, as important as this environment was, there are always people who take responsibility, and Eberle, Gnaiger, Dietrich, Kaufmann and Ritsch have long since become international stars with chairs at renowned universities.
