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Buddhists take nature conservancy seriously
25. Září 2011

Landscape architect Dipl. Ing (FH) Michael Borth, who is in charge of landscaping, and architect Dipl. Ing. (TU) Philip Leube from Diamond Way Buddhism Foundation discuss the landscaping at Gut Hochreute.

As soon as the land-use plan for the Buddhist Center at Gut Hochreute was approved, the center team began coordinating the overall concept for the place. Because all of the foundation members are volunteers, this will take some time. The first landscaping plan is planned to be presented in autumn 2011 and will be a part of the overall project which includes the new building and the road. Construction of the new building will be started after the approval of the building permit application, at the earliest in spring 2012. The necessary landscape conservation measures will proceed after discussion and agreement with the local authorities and official committees, the discussion with the BUND Naturschutz and the official approval in autumn 2012. These will be completed section by section over a period of 5 years.

From a Buddhist point of view it is all about recognizing that one’s own perfect inner nature is always mirrored in outer phenomena. For this reason the picturesque Gut Hochreute is an ideal place for a meditation center with its landscape of particular significance. The reflection of nature and its interplay with people, including its historical use, is vital. Preservation, maintenance and development of the entire site are essential objectives, as is the recreational value for the people living in the surrounding area. The areas above the manor are of special importance. To make it possible to experience the natural beauty, some measures for the future are being considered. For example, some old walking trails could be restored or a new nature trail could be created where biotopes (protected areas with a specific flora and fauna) are designated.

More quality for visitors

A master plan for conservation of the open areas is presently being prepared. It includes all of the prominent building activities that are significant for the landscape and are sound for nature preservation and prepared for approval.

For example, it is planned that the existing biotopes on the Gut Hochreute land will be re-valued and cross-linked in the course of replacement and compensation. Ecological compensation areas (improved parts of the landscape) are planned which will also offer a better experience for visitors. Among other things is the intention to:

- Restore the flowing waters by re-establishing stream sections that are presently piped.

- Cultivate areas of nitrogen-poor grassland.

- Plant woody plants such as hedges, groves, and lines of trees.

Special attention is being paid to the flow of life-giving water therefore lengths of piped streams will be restored. The water will be retained in the earth and transported slowly and gently down the hill. This is closely related to the replanting of the forest areas – which are presently primarily stands of very old, shallow rooted spruce trees – into a stepped, mixed leafy alpine forest, with deeper rooting which will improve the water holding capacity as well as the stability of the slope. This process has already begun, however it is a long-term goal to be completed in approximately 30 years. It shall be achieved by thinning. It will avoid clear-cutting as much as possible. Some clear cuts– for example, removing some over-aged spruces below the villa because of beetle infestation or because they threatened to fall on the road or railway tracks– were necessary. Therefore more than 10,000 new trees have already been planted on the land.

More potential to develop the mind

The building is also being planned with great care. Having changed the land-use plan, the planning for the reconstruction of the barn as well as the extension building is currently in full swing. The concept for the new building will be presented to the public when all approvals have been received. It will be designed and carried out by experienced, well-known architects from Vorarlberg.

The planned new buildings complete the existing ones – which are protected as historic monuments – and will allow the site to be used as a seminar center as intended. The single-story buildings north of the barn (the future meditation hall) will contain rooms for maintenance, storage and workshops. On the east side, three two-story wings with living and guest rooms adjoin. Together these buildings surround a new courtyard, which will open on to the grounds. The new building is not obvious from the lake or the road, because it is behind the barn, with a green roof and low elevation.

Citizens of Immenstadt can directly inform themselves about the current status of planning at the open door day of the Europe Center. It takes place on 11 September at Gut Hochreute which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year.

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