“A rock in the river” is how some describe the Montforthaus Feldkirch. This striking building stands before us. It serves as a universal public center for the people in the region. It’s more than just a building. It’s a landmark.
The Montforthaus opened its doors in January 2015. Its organically curved architecture stands apart. It distinguishes itself from Feldkirch’s heterogeneous urban structure. The Montforthaus feels both modern and timeless.
But let’s rewind a bit. The original Volkshalle stood here. Architect Lois Welzenbacher designed it in 1926 for the Vorarlberg trade exhibition. Tragedy struck in 1973. A lightning strike reduced the building to its foundation.
The city council decided to rebuild. In 1975, the Stadthalle reopened. It got an extension and a new name in 1990. It was now called the Montforthaus.
But the story didn’t end there. In 2007, the council decided to rebuild the Montforthaus. An international competition followed. Hascher Jehle Architektur and Mitiska Wäger Architekten won. Demolition began in 2012. The foundation stone for the new Montforthaus was laid in April 2013. Construction finished in November 2014.
The Montforthaus is embedded in Feldkirch’s medieval old town. Its design picks up the traditional Jura marble of the region. This creates a connection between the modern and the traditional.
Step inside. The Montforthaus offers 12,700 m2 of gross floor area. The foyer serves as the heart of the building. Functional elements branch out from it.
Notice the natural stone cladding. An open four-story foyer greets you. Galleries surround the space. A glass skylight directs your gaze to the historic Schattenburg.
A curved staircase invites you upward. It leads to the concert hall gallery and additional auditoriums. The rooftop restaurant and garden await you.
The concert hall accommodates up to 800 people. It can link to other auditoriums. Inside, wooden panels line the walls. These panels provide excellent acoustics. The concert hall has the latest stage technology.
The Montforthaus is versatile. It hosts conventions, balls, trade fairs, concerts, and theater performances. It’s an “Open House”. It also houses the Feldkirch Tourist Information Centre and Vorarlberg Ticket Office.
The Montforthaus has won several awards. These include the Austrian national prize for architecture and sustainability in 2017. It also won the German lighting design award in 2017.
The Montforthaus is more than just a building. It’s a cultural landmark. It blends seamlessly into Feldkirch. It is a testament to the town’s commitment to culture and sustainability. Take a moment to appreciate this space. It’s a place where history and modernity meet. It offers something for everyone.