Modern architecture is subject to society’s constant changes and should fit into the existing landscape. Magdalena Pohl from Pohl Immobilien told us how this works in South Tyrol and what property developers and architects do to master this balancing act.
What has changed in urban architecture in South Tyrol in recent years?
A lot has changed for me. Above all, for us as property developers today it’s about planning and building sustainably. In the city in particular, we focus on existing properties and try to contribute by renovating and upgrading them. As a concrete example, I would like to mention our Augusta 65 project development in Bolzano-Aslago: We are constructing a modern building on already sealed ground that is fully integrated into the existing urban architecture and at the same time offers future-proof and sustainable new living space. This mix of old and new is very attractive, even if it is always a great challenge for us as property developers.
What is special about South Tyrolean architecture?
Architecture is always orientated towards its immediate surroundings, even in South Tyrol. In all our projects, we make sure that the buildings integrate harmoniously into the landscape and surroundings and even go one step further by incorporating structural and architectural elements from the immediate environment. For the TRUI Ensemble residential complex in Lasa, for example, we took up the typical barn construction method with dry stone walls, while for Schorsch Adler in Corzes we incorporated elements and patterns from the surrounding area into the façade and windows. These are local subtleties that make for special architecture for us.
What approaches do architects/property developers take to combine new and old?
For us as property developers, it’s about meeting different requirements. We want to satisfy our customers, but we also want to renovate buildings in a sustainable and future-proof way. Old buildings always have certain limitations and this must be taken into account. Very often, however, our customers’ requirements go beyond this. In Ora, we have therefore implemented a completely new model with the project development for Villa Auerheim and Wohnen am Park: Today, there is the magnificent villa with its individual connoisseur flats and, right next to it, the modern new building with a variety of very attractive flats. Architecturally, the two buildings lean against each other.
What role does the alpine environment also play in urban architecture?
As already mentioned, the surroundings always play a role. At Pohl Immobilien, we are convinced that no building can function independently of its surroundings. We attach great importance to avoiding standards and endeavour to take an individual approach to every single project. South Tyroleans are very modern, also when it comes to their ideas of living. The view from the window with a view of the mountains is just the icing on the cake. As with the Antonianum in Merano: here we have realised very urban architecture in the middle of the South Tyrolean mountains.
Where do you still see potential for development in contemporary architecture in South Tyrol?
I find the South Tyrolean architecture scene diverse, refreshing and innovative! So many architects gain experience abroad and come back to their native South Tyrol, which is what makes the cultural mix in this little country so unique. In my opinion, there is room for improvement in the upgrading and refurbishment of existing properties. We should be a little more courageous here: Architecture doesn’t always have to please everyone, architecture can also stand out! If the quality is right, then we should dare to create a landmark.
