VIVIUS forscht | Interior Development Week: Excursion to the Vinschgau Valley

As part of Inner Development Week, an excursion took place on September 19 to the Vinschgau Valley—with stops in Taufers in the Münstertal Valley and Stilfs. The trip highlighted how committed municipalities, networks, and researchers are to working together on the sustainable development of rural areas.

In Taufers, Mayor Roselinde Gunsch spoke about the municipality’s ongoing renovation projects, which demonstrate how existing buildings can be made sustainable for the future. Kathrin Pichler introduced the wnet network, which connects women in planning and construction, while Jasmin Mair spoke about She Builds South Tyrol—an initiative that raises the profile of women in the construction industry and empowers them.

During the subsequent tour of the village of Stilfs, Daria Habicher, PNRR coordinator, provided insights into the village’s strategies for infill development. Architect Susanne Waiz and Alexandra Troi from EURAC presented the renovation of the Hoferhaus—a successful example of how foresight, research, and meticulous craftsmanship can create new possibilities for the use of old buildings.

The field trip clearly demonstrated that infill development is much more than just building within existing communities: it is a process that connects people, places, and ideas—and in doing so, breathes new life into the villages.