Traditional Handcraft

The Bregenzerwald is not only known for its modern wooden architecture. The handcraft businesses are also breaking new ground. They combine old skills and traditional design language with contemporary design. Their imaginative, high-quality products are in demand internationally. Around 100 of the most innovative workshops – from carpenters to lighting designers – have joined forces in the Werkraum Bregenzerwald. As a common platform of the organizes exhibitions, competitions, lectures and is dedicated to research and development. Together with the Bezau business schools, the association runs the Werkraum Schule Bregenzerwald for the next generation of craftsmen. Since 2016 the Werkraum has been included in the international UNESCO register of good practices for the the preservation and continuation of the intangible cultural heritage.

The work of the Werkraum has an international presence, the innovative craftsmen and women are in demand at home and abroad. For more than 25 years, the the Handwerk+Form competition has been demonstrating to the public how professionals from all areas of design have worked together with craftsmen from the Bregenzerwald in order to develop objects that are suitable for everyday use develop. Since 2016, the Werkraum has been running a pioneering project together with the Bezau business schools a new school model to secure skilled workers in the skilled trades.