What does it take for rural buildings to endure for generations and continue to be used? The Salzburg Open-Air Museum, Digital Findet Stadt, and the Resource Forum Austria invite you to join a dynamic “Walk & Talk” event.

Theme

Some buildings defy time—not because their walls are thicker, but because they were cleverly built. They tell stories, have witnessed generations of people, and have stood in our landscapes for over a hundred years. But what is their secret? Why do some houses last centuries while others disappear after just a few decades?

During a walk through the Salzburg Open-Air Museum with brief expert inputs, we aim to explore this very question together: What does it take for rural buildings to endure across generations and continue being used? And can today's concepts and technologies help us achieve that?

Program

09:30

• Welcome and Introduction; Peter Fritz, Salzburg Open-Air Museum

from 09:45

• What to do with old buildings? The challenge between reuse, continued use, and use as material banks; Lutz Dorsch, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
• Preserve instead of replace. Sustainability through the protection of historic building fabric; Eva Hody, Austrian Federal Monuments Office
• Learning from the past for the future of construction; Georg Scheicher, Architecture and Design & Resource Forum Austria

11:30

• Closing remarks and farewell; Wolfgang Fischer, Digital Findet Stadt

Afterwards

• Wrap-up; Following the program, we invite you to join us for informal conversation and exchange at the museum restaurant Salettl.

Program flyer "Long-lasting Rural Buildings" in Germany

Week of the Resource Transition

The International Week of the Resource Transition, originating from Salzburg and taking place from May 22 to 28, 2025, promotes sustainable ways of living and doing business. It calls for: “Circular economy and resource efficiency—now!” Through inspiring talks, lively discussions, and presentations by pioneering companies, trailblazing communities, and changemakers from Central Europe, the initiative motivates businesses, municipalities, and citizens toward a future rich in quality of life and value creation within planetary boundaries. The week is coordinated by the Resource Forum Austria, with many organizations contributing their own events.

Travel information

We recommend using public transportation.

On May 24, 2025, all public transport in the federal state of Salzburg is free of charge (Museum Weekend).
Bus line 180 stops at "Freilichtmuseum" at 9:06 a.m. from the direction of Salzburg City.

Register now!

Admission is free please register by May 21, 2025.

NOTE - After the event, we invite you to join us for refreshments and informal exchange at the Museum restaurant "Salettl".