Moving Borders: Changing Alpine Landscapes

The Alpine region is characterized by a great diversity in all spatial dimensions and qualities, which is not a steady formation but a dynamic and sensitive organism. Boundaries are ceaselessly overcome and continuously shifted, and the nature and manner of human access have taken on geological dimensions. Moving Borders documents the contributions at the 17th Venice architecture biennial and complements them with scientific essays, artistic works, and comprehensive photographs taken during field trips to the Alps.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers

The Alpine region is a remarkable testament to the immense diversity of spatial dimensions and qualities, a phenomenon that transcends mere administrative boundaries and is deeply rooted in the unique topography shaped by human cultivation. While it may be tempting to perceive this configuration as a static and enduring formation, it is essential to recognize that the Alps are a dynamic and sensitive organism. Boundaries in this region are constantly being pushed, shifted, and redefined, a process that is inextricably linked to a shift in perception and conditioned by the inherent dynamics of the natural world. This dynamic interplay has led to the creation of a space where a wide array of diverse elements have come together and interwoven with the local landscape over an extended period of time. However, as time progresses, there is a growing tendency for external influences to exert a one-sided claim on this interdependent relationship. At the same time, the nature and manner of human access to the Alps have taken on geological dimensions, reflecting the profound impact of human activities on the region.

In the context of the 17th Venice Architecture Biennial, contributions by Vogt Landscape Architects and the Chair of Günther Vogt at ETH Zurich, Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies shed light on individual manifestations of this dynamic landscape, focusing on hydrological, biological, and geological aspects. Moving Borders serves as a comprehensive documentation of these contributions, complemented by scientific essays, artistic works, and extensive photographs captured during field trips to the Alps.

Through these diverse perspectives, the Alpine region emerges as a living tapestry, where the interplay between human presence and natural forces creates a landscape that is both captivating and fragile. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists between human intervention and the preservation of the natural world, and highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices and responsible stewardship to ensure the long-term health and vitality of this remarkable region.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783037786772