Private

FS 3.174

Abandoned building stock in mountain regions

Details

Full Title
FS 3.174: Abandoned (agricultural) building stock in mountain regions: Obstacles or opportunities for rural development?
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Bernhard Grüner
Co-Conveners
Elisabeth Gruber, Ernst Steinicke, Thomas Kranebitter,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
---
Thematic Focus
Agriculture, Architecture, Conservation, Migration, Mobility, Policy, Spatial Planning, Sustainable Development
Keywords
Abandoned Building Stock, Farm Architecture Revitalization, Participative Action Methods, Lifestyle Im-Mobility, Rural Development

Description

Out-migration, an aging population and the abandonment of farms are implications of structural change in rural mountain areas. As locals leave the valley end for better prospects on the valley floor or in urban areas, they abandon what was once their lives’ core: buildings. Research and practice are increasingly focusing on vacant buildings, their revitalization and reutilization, albeit primarily in urban contexts. In rural areas, however, there is a lack of knowledge about both the processes leading to abandoned building stock and the consequences for rural development. Moreover, depending on the perspective (owners, real estate developers, regional managers, communal politicians or residents), abandoned building stock is complex to define, quantify and mobilize. In mountain areas, in-depth knowledge of (agricultural) vacancies is vital for two reasons: (1) Building plots are topographically limited there. (2) Mountain farms are carriers of the in/tangible cultural landscape – cultural heritage that is gradually deteriorating due to hesitant or delayed transfer. Analyzing obstacles and strategies for repurposing structural vacancies – whether endogenously by locals or exogenously by newcomers – holds potential for repopulation and thus the sustainable development of affected mountain communities. This session aims to gather insights from different methodological, conceptual and disciplinary angles to expand knowledge on – drivers of vacancies in mountain areas, especially in relation to abandoned farm buildings – barriers or best practices for their revitalization in terms of rural development

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.5488

Vacancy management of empty buildings as a chance for inner development of rural settlements on the example of South Tyrol

Andre Mallossek

Abstract/Description

Vacancy management in South Tyrol aims to increase the attractiveness of communities while reducing land consumption. The project focuses on activating stakeholders by considering their needs, existing buildings, and the environment. Key aspects of the project include: Identifying empty buildings and building gaps in pilot municipalities. Raising public awareness for inner development. This is achieved through initiating and moderating processes that define needs and topics for respective inner developments. Digitalizing data in coordination with the province of South Tyrol and the association of municipalities to develop a uniform GIS software for vacancy management. Providing initial consultations with experts such as architects, for affected citizens. Exploring and coordinating subsidies for municipalities and those willing to renovate. The project has been piloted in 22 communities since 2017, including Deutschnofen, Gsies, Hafling, Jenesien, Kaltern, and others. These pilot municipalities support the coordination of the project through contributions or by assigning tasks to Plattform Land. The project aims to promote sustainable inner development and improve the quality of life in these rural communities.

ID: 3.7766

Recover the abandoned building heritage towards more sustainable forms of production

Matteo Tempestini

Abstract/Description

Modernisation has led to the depopulation and abandonment of alpine territories. Today, a large number of abandoned buildings are being repurposed to meet the growing demand for housing in these areas. Since the late 20th century, mountain areas have experienced a resurgence in popularity and attractiveness. This trend accelerated after the pandemic, when many people with remote work opportunities chose to spend more time in the highlands. In addition, the favourable climatic and environmental conditions of alpine areas offer a contrast to the heavily urbanised, hot and polluted plains. However, the existing stock of rural buildings is often not suited to contemporary lifestyles. Older structures, originally designed for both residential and agricultural purposes, where work and domestic life collided, are often redesigned as dwellings with modern comforts and amenities. Meanwhile, production spaces are being relocated to larger buildings capable of meeting the needs of an increasingly industrialised and progress-driven society. This study will open up some theoretical questions from the analysys of some examples of contemporary architecture, including new buildings such as stables and agricultural production facilities, industrial buildings related to the timber supply chain, and the adaptive reuse of old buildings, primarily for residential purposes. The study assesses the merits and limitations of these interventions, whereas it argues that these buildings reflect the same production models that contributed to the depopulation of Alpine regions at the beginning of the 20th century. It concludes that in order to achieve a true paradigm shift and sustainable repopulation of the highlands, far beyond temporary trends, these interventions need to be examined in the broader context of a potential shift towards less industrialised, more sustainable lifestyles and modes of production.

ID: 3.10746

Strategies for farm transfers beyond family succession: A chance for regional food systems, biodiversity, value creation and vibrant rural communities

Margit Fischer

Abstract/Description

Rural mountain regions face a growing challenge of abandoned agricultural buildings due to demographic shifts, structural changes in agriculture, and declining family succession rates. While these vacant structures are often perceived as obstacles to sustainable rural development, they also present unique opportunities for revitalization, adaptive reuse, and community-driven innovation. The association “Perspektive Landwirtschaft” presents practical experiences and best practices in farm transfers beyond family succession, demonstrating how these approaches contribute to avoid the abandonment of agricultural buildings and fostering new economic and social dynamics in mountain regions. Traditional family-based farm succession has long been the dominant model in Alpine and other mountainous areas. However, with increasing migration to urban centers, generational gaps, and economic pressures, many farms and their associated buildings remain unoccupied. Through our work, we have explored alternative models of farm transfer—such as cooperative ownership, social farming initiatives, and leasing to new entrants—which offer viable solutions to counteract this trend. These approaches facilitate the entry of young farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders who bring new ideas, economic models, and community-oriented perspectives. Drawing from real-world examples, we share insights into successful non-familial farm transfers. Key factors influencing these processes include legal frameworks, financial incentives, participatory planning, and cultural attitudes toward land ownership. Our work demonstrates the importance of new approaches to ensure alignment with local needs while promoting resilience and sustainability. By sharing our experiences and lessons learned, we hope to participate in vital discussions on sustainable rural development in mountain regions. Alternative succession models represents not only an economic opportunity but also a means to preserve cultural landscapes, regional food systems, biodiversity and strengthen rural resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.

ID: 3.10983

Reuse of Historic Rural Buildings: The SHELTER Project in Anras

Thomas Kranebitter

Abstract/Description

The Interreg project SHELTER, which ran from October 2019 to December 2022, aimed to restore historic rural buildings in the Italian-Austrian Alpine region. In Anras (East Tyrol), several measures were implemented as part of the project, focusing on sustainable renovation, citizen participation and the revitalization of regional building culture.
A central component was the citizen participation process, which, through workshops, steering group meetings, and a think tank, led to the development of the Anras 2030 vision. This process resulted in a catalog of measures, including, in particular, the reuse of the vacant „Mesnerhaus“ and the establishment of the Anras Village Tour as a new tourism and community-oriented initiative.
Usage concepts were developed for the „Mesnerhaus“, a historic farmhouse from the 18th century, including housing for different generations, a cultural center and a multifunctional community space. A comprehensive 3D survey and an inventory served as the basis for the planning. Ultimately, the municipality decided on residential use, particularly emphasizing social and intergenerational aspects.
The Anras Village Tour was implemented as a circular route with a rest area and information boards to increase the attractiveness of the village for residents and visitors. This measure promotes the gentle development of tourism and the appreciation of the traditions and the cultural landscape.
The project shows that the renovation of historic buildings in combination with participatory planning is a sustainable way of activating vacancies, preserving cultural heritage, and providing new impetus for community life.

ID: 3.12686

Preserving Heritage, Strengthening Communities: the Case of Col Ventidueore

Grazia Giacovelli

Abstract/Description

Buildings abandoned each year due to population migration toward urban areas are becoming increasingly common . Many historic buildings, often publicly owned and valuable cultural heritage assets, fall into decay as they fail to find a new purpose. These spaces could serve as community gathering points, but as the social fabric itself deteriorates, their revival becomes more challenging. This research focuses on a case study in Valbrenta, Col Ventidueore (ex-tobacco farm), which became part of the European Interreg project SHELTER: Smart Rural Heritage along Tourism Routes. This initiative successfully addressed the challenges of abandonment and deterioration of historic rural buildings in the cross-border region between Italy and Austria. Using a qualitative approach, the study explores the relationship between the community and this site through the concept of place attachment. It also examines the potential for future community-driven reuse, incorporating energy-efficient redevelopment while respecting local needs. In the project, the active involvement of the community is seen as a key element for rural development. Findings highlight the crucial role of engaging younger generations to prevent further abandonment and emphasize the importance of preserving and passing down the territorial identity linked to this historic building.

FS 3.173: Competiting visions of socio-ecological transformations in mountain territories : analyzing the role of conflicts

FS 3.175: Adding value to wool, from globalization to the circular economy: which opportunities for mountain regions?

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

FS 3.174

Abandoned building stock in mountain regions

Details

Full Title

Scheduled

Location

Convener

Co-Conveners

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

Submitted Abstracts

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

About us

Share this content

General Info

General Info

Get in contact

Personal Details

Address

Preferences