New Architecture in South Tyrol

South Tyrol has many places of longing. But Italy's northernmost region, with its mountain peaks and lakes, is much more than a popular holiday and leisure paradise. South Tyrol's contemporary regional building culture also offers many astonishing places to yearn – and in many ways it is a model even beyond Italy's borders. The current exhibition “New Architecture in South Tyrol 2018-2024” at Kunst Meran shows the region's architectural development processes and reflects the ongoing successful transformation of South Tyrol's built landscape.

Roland Baldi Architects, Civil defence centre Ritten, 2020, © Oskar Da Riz

This was preceded by an in-depth study of over 240 projects submitted in response to a call for entries by the Fondazione Architettura di Alto Adige and the Artists' Association of Alto Adige. An international jury chaired by Filippo Bricolo, architect, lecturer at Milan Polytechnic and curator of the exhibition, selected a total of 28 main projects, which are presented in detail. A further 28 special mentions are included in the exhibition in a reduced form. The focus on the use of building materials and resources, as well as the social benefits of each building, were key factors in the jury's decision. The result is as heterogeneous as it is impressive. The small and large architectural interventions address vernacular building forms and activate the potential of memory, such as the service building on the Kreuzberg Pass by Pedevilla Architects with Willeit Architektur or the ornamental courtyard with parlour in Pflerschtal by Namaes Architekturkonzepte. Martin Feiersinger's art library at Schloss Gandegg near Eppan is included in the “Poetic Interior” category, while the St. Michael winery in Eppan by Walter Angonese and Flaim Prünster is listed under “Art and Architecture”.

MoDusArchitects, Tree Hugger, new headquarters of the tourist office, Bressanone, 2019, © Oskar Da Riz

What is most surprising is the diversity and conceptual care of the individual projects, each of which is committed to its particular context and at the same time a pars pro toto model of building culture at the highest level. The topography often sets the tone, as in the case of the Ritten Civil Defence Centre by Roland Baldi Architects, a mineral concrete sculpture set into the mountainside. The topographical formations in the area are called earth pyramids – the building reinforces the landscape and becomes part of it. The projects documented include big names as well as young groups such as the null17 architecture collective and others. The transition from one generation to the next is fluid – building in existing structures and paying attention to vernacular architecture are the hallmarks of South Tyrolean architecture.

"Yes, of course: the answer is simple. It is more difficult to say what makes it special," says Filippo Bricolo in his essay in the exhibition catalogue. The highly recommended trilingual publication (German, Italian, English), carefully designed by Granit Studio, paints an impressive 272-page panorama of contemporary architecture in South Tyrol that is sure to make others envious. The compendium, published by Park Books, is divided into chapters according to the eight categories of the jury. They provide a reading guide to the individual projects, which are documented with photographs, texts and floor plans. Essays on the chapters present their focal points and are set off from the projects on colour pages. The catalogue is a standard work on South Tyrol that should not be missed.

Höller & Klotzner Architects, Musealisation of the city walls, Merano 2020, © Damian Pertoll

The exhibition at Kunst Meran (until 16 February 2025) occupies the entire historic townhouse on Laubengasse. Simple modules made of spruce wood frames in various formations serve as displays for the projects. They are presented with photos and plans on honeycomb cardboard, supplemented by texts on spruce wood panels. With so little sustainable material, it is possible to create such a careful, rhythmic exhibition architecture that is inspiring on all levels. The white walls of the rooms remain empty. The exhibition design is aesthetically sophisticated, varied and can be reused at any time, be it for the next station or the next exhibition. A visit is also worthwhile because South Tyrol and its architecture are at home here – in the historic old town of Merano.