Bregenz-Hard-Fussach-Höchst (AT)

SITE / CONTEXT

Located inVorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost province, the E18 site borders Switzerland and lies on Lake Constance at a key crossroads between the Swiss border, the Rhine Valley, and the Laiblachtal. Major cities like Innsbruck, Zurich, and Munich are just two hours away. The site follows the Magistrale, a major transit road linking Switzerland, Austria, and Germany via Höchst, Fußach, Hard, and Bregenz.The Rhinedelta, an economic hub, is home to 80% of Vorarlberg’s population, with most commercial jobs concentrated here. Its proximity to Lake Constance and the Alps makes it a tourist destination, and two Natura 2000 sites highlight its environmental importance.
Between 1956 and 1963, the Rhine delta was diked to control flooding from Lake Constance. An 8 km polder dam with three pumping stations regulates water levels and is now a popular cycle route.
Growing urbanisation has transformed the region into a single settlement area, with natural features like the lake and mountains shaping boundaries and recreation.The Rhine Valley’s polycentric landscape spreads cultural, educational, and health services across multiple centres. Mobility efforts focus on strengthening village centres, reducing traffic, and improving cycling infrastructure. Strong cross-border links encourage commuting, and companies like Blum promote greener mobility through e-bikes.
The reflection site spans the L202 corridor through Höchst, Fußach, Hard and Bregenz. The L202 interacts with village centres, edge zones
and natural landscapes, creating diverse spatial atmospheres. Nearby train stations provide further connectivity and encourage mobility.
The common vision is to transform the main road into an experience space - a lively, green and safe space for all users. The aim is to harmonise motorised traffic with local life, while encouraging alternative mobility such as cycling and walking. The Magistrale will become a corridor of change, enhancing the existing infrastructure while supporting new ideas for a dynamic, sustainable future.

QUESTIONS TO THE COMPETITORS

The aim is to give the region around the busy L202 a strong concept for how to deal with the existing ‘dividing line’ through their communities.The state of Vorarlberg wants to develop a clearly legible framework for Bregenz, Hard, Fußach and Gaissau that can be read by both user groups - the residents of the communities and those travelling through.
How can the centuries-old cultural region with its unique location in the border triangle be honoured? The region is rich in economic, ecological and social resources: Lake Constance, the numerous rivers and streams, the green corridors and the proximity to the mountains.
Despite their heterogeneity, how can the numerous places of arrival and transition along the L202 be upgraded? How can a sustainable and attractive mobility network for pedestrians be developed?
How can the quality of the road cross-section be improved? How can attractive access to the central areas be created?
The task is to develop an overarching strategy that offers convincing scope for ambitious visions and realistic implementation processes. Based on the individual situation in each municipality, show how the vision can be realised in the immediate, short, medium and long term.