Wirmboden is a tiny farming collective in Western Austria, and the recently rebuilt Wirmboden chapel show the extent to which each of the voices in the small community have a say in the collective. The small chapel, which serves as a place for religious celebrations and ceremonies, was negotiated, planned, and eventually built by the members of the town with help from Innauer Matt Architects.
Wirmboden is an old collective that uses the traditional farming technique of transhumance, in which livestock graze on mountain pastures in the warm months and move down to the lower pastures for the winter. This means that the farmers live in two village collectives, migrating seasonally with their animals. When an avalanche destroyed the former Wirmboden chapel in the mountain pasture village, the collective of farmers banded together to design a new chapel that stands as a testament to collectivity and compromise.
Humble Alpine Chapels
The Wirmboden Chapel is a Statement on the Collective Spirit
Trend Themes
1. Collective Decision-making - The rebuilt Wirmboden chapel highlights the trend of collective decision-making, where community members are actively involved in the planning and construction process.
2. Sustainable Farming Practices - The traditional farming technique of transhumance practiced in Wirmboden showcases the trend of sustainable farming practices, allowing livestock to graze on mountain pastures and promoting a harmonious relationship with nature.
3. Community Resilience - The collective effort to rebuild the chapel after an avalanche demonstrates the trend of community resilience, where members come together to overcome challenges and preserve their cultural heritage.
Industry Implications
1. Architectural Design - The involvement of Innauer Matt Architects in the construction of the Wirmboden chapel signifies disruptive innovation opportunities in the architectural design industry, emphasizing community-led projects and incorporating local traditions.
2. Agriculture - The use of transhumance farming technique in Wirmboden presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the agriculture industry by promoting sustainable farming practices and preserving cultural heritage.
3. Community Development - The rebuilding of the Wirmboden chapel showcases disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of community development, emphasizing the importance of collective decision-making and community resilience in preserving cultural spaces.