Inspired by the idea of the Grand Tour and Alexander von Humboldt, the landscape architectural office VOGT annually explores different landscapes. An Alpine Archive is an internal publication and serves as preparation for the office excursion to Eastern Switzerland. It is a research collection on the specific landscape that stretches from the Alps to the Bodenseelake its geology, geomorphology, flora and fauna, culture, history and economy. A special interest lies on the textile industry and the role as pioneer by introducing mechanically produced hightech fabrics, while keeping the traditional craftsmanship of handmade embroidery.
"During this year’s office trip we will unfold the geological, geographical, historical, cultural and economical layers of the alps of eastern Switzerland, more specifically the region that encompasses the cantons of Appenzell and St. Gallen. The St. Gallen canton infact surrounds the Appenzell canton, which is divided into two parts, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The heritage of this rather small area is comparably large. Not only do the alps of Appenzell, more specifically known as the Alpstein, serve as a source of proof for the theory of the alpine foldings, as in many places the geological layers are dramatically visible, but the landscape that stretches from the alps to the Bodensee Lake is also an archive of the unique and varied cultural story of the region.
The alpine archive can be seen in different layers. Starting with the mountains of the Alpstein, which archive the information of tectonic movements and former maritime conditions seen in its foldings, shiftings and fossils, the story continues with the arrival of the first settlers, whose exact origin is still unclear. These settlers collected written records and crafted artifacts, natural specimines and historical finds. They stored them in their own ‚archives’ many of which, whether it be physical examples such as libraries and institutions or in the form of customs past down through generations, still remain today. With all these individual archives, one can think of the region of Appenzell as a ‚Cabinet of Curiosities’, just like an open exhibition, which we can understand if we learn how to read its landscape and its resulting heritage. Consequently, this book contains a large chapter of background knowledge on different topics to enrich our understanding as we undertake our tour. It is up to you to create your own image of the region."
Extract p.11
Vogt Office Excursion 2018: An Alpine Archive
Produced by members of the Vogt Zürich office.
Editors: Günther Vogt, Maren Brakebusch, Laura Schöngart, Bess Laaring
Printed in Zurich, 2018
Produced by members of the Vogt Zürich office.
Editors: Günther Vogt, Maren Brakebusch, Laura Schöngart, Bess Laaring
Printed in Zurich, 2018
Displayed images and text extracts belong to Vogt Landscape Architect, Zurich.
This project was realized as employee of the office.
Copyright: VOGT LANDSCHAFTSARCHITEKTEN AG