Sensible revival

Old joinery offers space for new development

Seminars at the "Kinderkosmos" in Melk bring old crafts closer to the next generation.(Bild: Tischlerei Melk)

The "prototype" is already up and running. Now the big brainstorming session for intelligent and socially friendly revitalization is starting, which should also serve as a model for the revitalization of dying town centers in rural areas. Innovative ideas are being developed within historic walls.

What is the most sensible way to counteract the dying town centers in Lower Austria? Lukas Fürst, who has been working on the Melk joinery project for four years, is also asking himself this question.

Revitalized site with good connections
The 19th century business has long since moved away from the center of Melk - not far from the monastery, the Western Railway and the Western Motorway. However, the historic site still exists and has provided space for the cultural scene for many years. In addition to the Kulturwerkstatt, there is now also the "Kinderkosmos Handwerk", which brings traditional crafts closer to children, a coworking space, an afterwork bar and an environmentally friendly hostel. The family quarter offers everything from yoga courses, meditation and massages to lectures, workshops and advice, as well as special offers for pregnant women, babies and children.

With the Melk joinery, we show how urban impulses can be used to make rural areas more attractive. Our aim is to create a climate-neutral district that is also socially relevant.

Lukas Fürst will ein nachhaltiges Entwicklungskonzept kreieren

Bild: Tischlerei Melk

Students and citizens are brought on board
Now the "prototype" is about to undergo further conversion. 40 Boku students were also on site to learn about the topic of "circular construction" and contribute ideas. In addition, 1000 invitations were sent to people in the region to find 50 co-thinkers and co-developers. Anyone who wants to find out more about the project is invited to the open day on May 17.