Between regional and personal context: the work of Bernardo Bader
Abstract
Between regional and personal context: the work of Bernardo Bader The Austrian Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest) is a region dear to Bernardo Bader because of both personal and cultural reasons, often used as reference in his work. His familiarity with the region creates an understanding of and a commitment to the needs of the local population and the requirements of everyday life, to which his office provides architectural answers. The Bregenzerwald is well known for its craftsmanship: tried and trusted methods are held in high regard – they convey a sense of tradition, combined with a spirit of experimentation and innovation. In his architecture, Bernardo Bader transforms the impulse to achieve perfect craftsmanship through a methodological and conceptual openness towards workmanship. His is a true “stance”, i.e., an attitude towards people and things. Bernardo Bader’s stance is sincere and authentic. It relates to the regional and personal context – the context of the village, the neighbourhood, the living conditions of the users, the surroundings, – and the underlying cultural, political and economic conditions. At the same time, his stance goes beyond, it dares to take a broader perspective in order to create buildings that are meant to last. The aim of his architectural study is to produce elements for everyday use that are long-lasting, thereby unpretentiously replacing the term “sustainability”, eventually creating an atmosphere, a mood, a form of echo. The aim of Bernardo Bader’s architecture is to produce spaces that create an echo, that inspire our senses – and through our senses, our minds and behaviour. Each decision matches a gesture. These individual decisions are considerate and careful in producing a coherent unity with a lightness that shows in its single elements and as a whole. Working together means that high quality standards are expected, but also that the effort, knowledge and responsibility of many individuals is needed. However, cooperation is also the basis for further development and the establishment of a culture of criticism that is constructive rather than self-serving. Better solutions are created when colleagues exchange ideas: this makes them invaluable and a source of joy for all participants, including clients, users and the overall building culture.
