The vai – Vorarlberger Architektur Institut is a non-profit organisation based in Dornbirn, Austria, working to strengthen building culture (Baukultur) and promote discussion of architecture as a public and societal concern. It brings together architects, planners and clients with people from crafts, business, research, the arts, culture and politics. 9
The organisation grew out of an initiative by members of the ZV, the association of Vorarlberg architects. Around 20 architects, artists and representatives of building authorities and developers met in February 1997 to discuss establishing an institution to support building culture in the region; the association was founded later that year. Since 2003, its office has operated on the association’s behalf as a non-profit limited company. 211
Its work includes exhibitions, events, publications and educational activities. The institute organises regular visits to current building projects across Vorarlberg and provides school-focused architecture education through its “Unit Architektur” resources. It also runs a library open to visitors, with lending available to members, and documents local architecture as a collection partner for the “nextroom” building database. 9 The organisation’s website also describes its ongoing architecture features published in the Vorarlberger Nachrichten newspaper’s “Leben & Wohnen” supplement. [Source metadata supplied in the query]
The institute’s activities are centred on Vorarlberg, connecting local professionals and communities and addressing architecture and the built environment across the region. 9 Its operational team is led by Director and Managing Director Mag. Dr. Verena Jakoubek-Konrad; Jörg Meißner is office manager and deputy managing director. The association’s current chair is DI Stefan Marte. 23