AN EVENING FOR architectural CULTURE

As part of the touring exhibition Neues Bauen in Tirol 2024, the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol hosted the official opening of the exhibition, which took place in the university's auditorium on 12 June 2025. The Kufstein station was organised by plattform architektur LAND, which implements and supports the touring exhibition in various Tyrolean municipalities.

The exhibition was conceived by aut. architektur und tirol, the Tyrolean Architecture Centre based in Innsbruck. Together with the province of Tyrol and the Chamber of Civil Engineers of Tyrol and Vorarlberg and the Central Association of Architects of Tyrol, the province of Tyrol honours buildings that are characterised by high design quality and innovative approaches every two years. The non-profit association aut is the organiser and curator of the project.

ARCHITECTURE IN ITS MANY FACETS

This year's exhibition presents all submissions, nominations and winners of the Tirol Neues Bauen 2024 award on large-format plans, impressively demonstrating how diverse, sensitive and future-oriented architecture is currently being conceived and realised in Tyrol.

The evening centred on introductory words and a discussion with representatives from architecture, planning, politics and the construction industry.

The evening was moderated by Adriane Gamper, who guided the audience through the discussions and presentations in a pointed manner.

ARCHITECTURE SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE PEOPLE

Klaus Adamer, architect from Kufstein and longstanding driving force for building culture in the region, opened the evening with a passionate plea for building culture: "We have set ourselves the goal of bringing architecture to the people." He thanked all sponsors and emphasised the role of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol as a venue: "It is built culture that you see here - built architecture in a very simple but impressive form." In the past, Adamer was entrusted with the local construction supervision (ÖBA) for buildings A to D of the University of Applied Sciences and is responsible for the architectural planning of the new student residence close to the campus.

DI Veronika C. König, architect and deputy chairwoman of the Architects' Section at the Chamber of Civil Engineers, emphasised in her contribution how central redensification and the intelligent use of existing buildings have become in today's architecture: "In itself, building on greenfield sites is now only justified in exceptional cases." The Neues Bauen Award is the only one that is explicitly about building culture, König continued.

There was also a strong focus on the financing side of architectural projects. In this context, Markus Guggenberger and Andreas Niederacher from Raiffeisenbank Kufstein spoke about the complexity of individual financing solutions for redensification projects.

appeal to planners

Later in the evening, the town planners of Wörgl and Kufstein, among others, discussed the challenges of redensification and inner-city development. It became clear that municipal control and clear architectural visions must go hand in hand.

Klaus Reitberger, Head of Cultural Affairs for the town of Kufstein, also had clear words to say about the connection between architecture and art: "Architecture creates spaces in which art can take place - and therefore has a decisive influence on it."

He appealed to planners to also consider other arts: "Perhaps there is a façade somewhere where street art by local artists can tell something about the history of the place."

The evening ended with a buffet in the foyer of the University of Applied Sciences, accompanied by lively discussions between students, planners, political decision-makers and interested parties. The exhibition was subsequently on display in Kufstein City Park until 26 June 2025.

BACKGROUND: NATIONAL AWARD FOR Neues bauen

The Auszeichnung des Landes Tirol für Neues Bauen is presented every two years. From 60 submissions, the jury - consisting of Valentin Bearth (Chur), Werner Neuwirth (Vienna) and Helena Weber (Dornbirn) - selected seven prize-winning projects and two commendations. The selection reflects the architectural challenges of our time: responsible handling of existing buildings, innovative utilisation concepts and sensitive integration into the structural context.

The exhibition will be touring Tyrol in 2025 in a version specially designed for public spaces. The Kufstein station was organised by plattform architektur LAND with the support of aut. architektur und tirol, the province of Tyrol and the Chamber of Civil Engineers.

Links:

• Energy & Sustainabilitymanagement | ft
• Facility & Real Estate Management | ft
• aut | Website