In Between

Terms such as "soft tourism" and "domestic tourism" are heard more and more often, at the latest since travel was at times hardly possible in Corona times.

The term "soft tourism" was coined by Robert Jungk in 1980 and is based on the idea of sustainable vacation. Nature should be left untouched as far as possible, thus enabling a positive development of natural, social and economic conditions at the same time. An intensive examination of the travelers with the place is thereby an elementary factor.

It does not always have to be a long-distance trip; a look at the closer surroundings is also worthwhile. Whether sea, forests, lakes, vineyards or mountains - our neighborhood is rich in diverse landscapes and places. You just have to find them.

In Vorarlberg, geological formations and the predominant pebble-limestone formed the prerequisite for river courses to carve their way over the millennia and cut deeply into the terrain. As a result, impressive gorges were formed, such as the "Üble Schlucht" gorge near Laterns in the Bregenzerwald mountains.

Here, bizarre rock formations, a waterfall and fascinating light and water features can be observed. The European protected area "Üble Schlucht" covers an area of 7.59 hectares and is located at an altitude between 615 and 813m above sea level. The gorge itself has a length of 500m.

As a hiker, one currently learns little about the history of the origins of this impressive place and the flora and fauna native to it. In order to create a greater awareness and to bring the visitor a little closer to nature, a small visitor center is to be built in the gorge, which will provide information about the geological, ecological and historical features of the "Üblen Schlucht" with exhibitions.

In addition to the building planning concept, the most important construction details are to be worked on in order to make credible how the conceived concept can be translated into built reality. Solutions for a flexible, sustainable and resource-saving construction method are to be applied. 
Interdisciplinary collaboration in teams with students from Faculty 2 (Civil and Environmental Engineering) is explicitly encouraged.

At the beginning of the semester, a joint excursion to Vorarlberg is planned. In addition to the construction site, contemporary buildings of the Vorarlberg school will be visited.