Development impetus for the Ländle
Vorarlberg – known and loved in tourism for its high quality of life and picturesque landscape, valued and respected worldwide in business for its craftsmanship and as an innovative world market leader. Now the Ländle faces the challenge of securing the future of the location through clever development impulses. To this end, an innovation ecology is to be established that integrates the outstanding special features as well as the numerous innovations.
Innovation ecologies are characterized by the interaction of different characters. A forest that requires a spectrum of roles, from the small ant to the large bear, in order to keep the ecology alive and renewing itself can serve as a symbol. This is why Vorarlberg must not make the mistake of falling victim to the industrial parks of the 1990s: Monocultures are dying. This explains why names that denote these closed monocultures (such as campus or park) should be avoided wherever possible.
It is also clear that Vorarlberg must increase its appeal to such an extent that it shines far beyond Lake Constance and highlights its uniqueness. The present concept provides for the creation of an initial “combustion cell” as a starting point for the development of innovation ecology, which represents an experimental area, new territory and connecting network in equal measure. Thrusts are released from this combustion cell, which further weaves the innovation ecology network. Similar to a stone thrown into the water, waves of innovation emanate from this “epi-center”.
A curator is essential here, who pursues the common goal, directs the overall development and creates opportunities for collaboration. A prerequisite for the successful work of the curator is a neutral organizational approach. In this sense, a supporting structure should be created that is as independent as possible and does not focus on the economic interests of individual private companies, but pursues a meta-goal.
Experimental area in a suitable environment
Research, visits, discussions, workshops, studies and data review have shown that Dornbirn offers the ideal conditions as a starting point. The site of the sawmill halls, the former post garage and a new bridge over the Dornbirnerach were chosen as the focus location. This combination also provides optimal formal conditions due to the ownership structure of a PPP construction. The plan is for the Sägen halls to create space for different forms of business and experimentation with a modular design concept. Workshops next to stores, thinking labs next to welding equipment, robot testing areas next to sewing rooms. The threshold is kept as low as possible. The halls thus also serve as an extension and feeler for the adjoining university of applied sciences. A vital exchange, which should also succeed across the river. All the conditions are in place here to create a crossing and merge the two areas on either side of the Dornbirnerach into a coherent space. The Postgarage on the other bank of the Ache is to be developed along the lines of the Strada-del-Startup in the Tabakfabrik Linz, in the sense of a consistent mix of corporates and start-ups that mutually stimulate each other through shared economy and collaboration.
Encounters, circulation and connections are success factors for successful collaboration, innovation and communication. The fact that the sawing halls, campus and post garage are separated by the Dornbirnerach must therefore be taken into account. However, the connection across the river offers several opportunities: it can become a shining symbol of innovation and architectural art.
Conceptual research
The concept drawn up by CMb.industries thus provides for a mixture of brownfield and greenfield development, utilizes the proximity to the UAS site and combines the banks with a project yet to be defined and with the involvement of all relevant players at the site. This mix creates the conditions for a diverse settlement policy. The different real estate properties can be adapted to the requirements of various business partners, artists, start-ups, associations and corporates at different price models. Networking is then to be spun across several locations in Vorarlberg.
For the entire project, Vorarlberg – in true Köhlmeier style – can make use of the full range of storytelling techniques. After all, this project must be conceived on a grand scale if it is to be perceived as a beacon and develop its full magnetism. Pitfalls can arise if the project is tied to the economic interests of individuals. This vision is too big, it must be supported by an overarching consortium of sponsors that has the future of Vorarlberg and its long-term development in mind.
