Openness, curiosity and learning from each other

These memories came flooding back when I was given an insight into the Dietrich Untertrifaller office through a long conversation between employees. I was impressed by the naturalness with which differences are addressed at the various locations in Europe and solutions are sought with all partners - and of course also by the work in the team of employees from all over the world. Communication, which is so important, is the topic, because despite some criticism and some lack of understanding of the respective circumstances, making progress in the project with everyone involved is the top priority. Of course, all major architectural firms, and not just these firms, are international today.

Here at Dietrich Untertrifaller, however, I have the impression that they go into great depth in analysing the specific circumstances at the locations and manage to steer things skilfully. The success is reflected in the abundance of competition invitations. Much Untertrifaller talks about teasing out the possibilities despite strict programme requirements. It's all about spaces that don't have a name, maximising the space in between for communication and paying special attention to and directing natural light.

However, the conversation also reveals other aspects. You get an insight into the working methods of a team that also seeks internal dialogue to find an intelligent solution. During the design phase, everyone in the office can get involved. No forced handwriting, no doctrine or thought pattern stands above the tasks set. This freedom allows us to constantly follow the conditions and requirements on site and develop not only the concept, but also the architecture.

The rapid possibilities of project presentation, modelling perfection with 3D or BIM and thus also being exposed to the risk of inaccuracy or even deception, as no in-depth design work had preceded it, are also discussed. Much Untertrifaller is referring to his students in Constance. During the corrections, he misses the quick hand sketch or the working model to clarify a design idea. He also doubts the benefits of BIM for competition designs in the office and would like to see more physical models again.

The focus of the conversation, however, is on working together and optimising their structures, a design based on mutual respect at all locations and open to new challenges in order to highlight the essentials instead of dazzling with images. Europe is open to Dietrich Untertrifaller's office today, but it remains important to reflect on the beginnings, on the roots in timber construction in Vorarlberg and on the firm foundation of the great success of the Festspielhaus Bregenz. Much Untertrifaller emphasises at the end of the interview that this festival theatre has been with him since 1991 and that, as an architect, he knows everything about this project.

In Brussels, today unfortunately characterised by impersonal, overflowing and complicated European bureaucracy, one should always remember the precious basis, the manageable beginnings full of energy and innovation. Without them, the free co-operation in the European Union would not have been possible, the open exchange, also in order to work together on the best design idea and its implementation.