Historical Transport Routes in Vorarlberg – pre-project and pilot project
Abstract
With the establishment of modern transport connections, which began in Vorarlberg at the end of the 19th century, many old routes lost their importance. Those old paths were and still are the expression of centuries-old socio-economic connections. Trade in goods, cattle drive and (temporary) migratory took place on them. They thus form an essential part of Vorarlberg's history. Reference has already been made to this cultural-historical significance (see Tiefenthaler, 2004 and 2008). Fast and progressiv economic and demographic developments lead to large and complex demands on the landscape. The responsible planning authorities should be provided with an instrument for balancing and decision-making. As a pilot, the research project aims at the following questions: - developing a methodology set based on the test of quality and availability of existing data, - defining relevant criteria and generating a rating tool, - testing based on a selected project area. In particular, Switzerland has developed far-reaching research and interesting instruments for the preservation and appreciation of historical walls and routes throughout Europe (see www.viastoria.ch/, Aerni et al, 2006 und Doswald, 2000). After primal research work in the last two years, this year's launch of the project "Inventory of Historical Transport Routes in Vorarlberg" wants to follow the long-standing demand for an exploration of these important cultural landscape elements. The aim of this project is to give the historical transport routes a firm place among Vorarlberg's cultural heritage. So far, it seems very promising to trace the previous descriptions of relationships, the old maps and reconstructions on site and to search for existing substance, which findings in the course of the Inventory of Historical Stone Walls have already shown. The methodological approach of the project serves as a basis to discuss and decide further research and proceeding of the administration and planning authorities. The learnings of the project should be provided internationally through publications. Also, networking on a scientific level should be enabled. Furthermore, it should call the attention of the users, residents and tourists to the importance of the historical routes and lead to a sensitization for the handling of the valuable cultural heritage.
History of Construction Technique Cultural Landscape Research Cultural Heritage Historical Transport Routes
Publikationen
Project staff
Anna Maria Drexel
Ass.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Anna Maria Drexel
am.drexel@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-87407
Project Leader
01.09.2018 - 31.08.2019