FAQ
HUMAN CENTRED DESIGN CONFERENCE
Echoes of the Alps
The conference will be held from July 13th - 17h, 2025, across multiple locations. We kick things off with a Welcome Dinner on July 12th and conclude with a Farewell Dinner on July 17th.
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The best airport to fly into is Zurich Airport (ZRH). From there, a direct train to Rapperswil departs inside the airport building. You can check schedules and book your tickets in advance on www.sbb.ch.
During the conference, shuttle buses will transport attendees between locations.
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We have reserved a limited number of hotel rooms in key locations, but they may not be enough for everyone. We recommend booking early. More accommodation options can be found through hotel websites or platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb. If you know other attendees, sharing an apartment might be a great option!
For convenience, please ensure your accommodation is close to the conference locations to minimize travel time.
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Generally, July is warm, with temperatures ranging between 30-33°C (86-91°F). However, Lech is at 1,400 meters altitude, so it can be significantly cooler, especially at night, when temperatures may drop to 8°C (46°F). The weather can be unpredictable, so we recommend bringing a warm jacket along with light summer clothing.
We hope for warm and dry weather so we can all enjoy the stunning landscape!
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Breakfast: Typically provided at your hotel.
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Morning coffee: We’ll have coffee and pastries at the event in the mornings.
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Lunch: Attendees will cover their own lunch costs.
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Dinners: Two joint dinners are included in the conference package:
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Welcome Dinner: July 19, 2025
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Farewell Dinner: July 24, 2025
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There is no formal dress code. We encourage smart casual attire, but most importantly, wear what makes you feel comfortable.
For the Welcome and Farewell Dinners, we invite you to dress up a little if you’d like, but nothing too formal—no tuxedos or evening gowns needed!+
We hope there won’t be any emergencies, but should anything happen, we are close to hospitals and will assist you in getting the right medical care.
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Lech: Has excellent local doctors. The nearest hospital is in Bludenz (approx. 40 minutes away).
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University of Liechtenstein: The nearest hospital is Liechtensteinisches Landesspital in Vaduz.
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Rapperswil: The nearest hospital is Spital Linth (about 15 minutes away).
If you have any specific health concerns, please let us know in advance.
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Each country has its own currency:
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Austria: Euro (€)
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Switzerland & Liechtenstein: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Most places accept credit cards, but it’s always good to carry a little local cash for small expenses.+
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Austria: Uses Type F sockets (Schuko) – 230V / 50Hz.
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Switzerland & Liechtenstein: Use Type J sockets – 230V / 50Hz.
If you are traveling from a country with different plug types, please bring a travel adapter.
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If you have some extra time before or after the conference, we highly recommend exploring the following locations:
Rapperswil, Switzerland
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Rapperswil Castle: A medieval castle offering panoramic views of Lake Zurich and the surrounding mountains. The castle also houses the Polish Museum.
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Wooden Bridge to Hurden: A scenic, historic wooden footbridge crossing Lake Zurich, perfect for a short walk.
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Rapperswil Old Town: Charming cobblestone streets with historical buildings, small boutiques, and lakefront promenades.
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Knies Kinderzoo: A small but well-maintained zoo, ideal for those interested in animal conservation and family-friendly experiences.
Lech, Austria
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Skyspace Lech: A fascinating light installation by James Turrell, creating a unique interaction between natural and artificial light.
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The White Ring (Der Weiße Ring): A famous ski circuit in winter and a scenic hiking route in summer, offering breathtaking alpine views.
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Hiking in Lech and the Arlberg Region: Stunning trails with views of the surrounding peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial rivers.
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Rüfikopf Panorama: Accessible by cable car, this viewpoint offers one of the best panoramas over the Alps.
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Lake Formarinsee & Spullersee: Two picturesque mountain lakes surrounded by hiking trails.
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Weather Note: Lech is at an elevation of 1,400m, meaning temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night (as low as 8°C). Be sure to bring a warm jacket.
Liechtenstein & Surroundings
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Vaduz Castle: The residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, perched on a hill with panoramic views over Vaduz and the Rhine Valley.
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Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein: A modern art museum featuring both international and regional exhibitions.
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Liechtenstein National Museum: Showcasing the country’s history, culture, and natural landscapes.
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Gutenberg Castle (Balzers): A well-preserved medieval castle in the southern part of Liechtenstein.
Bregenzerwald & Vorarlberg, Austria
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Lake Constance (Bodensee): One of the largest lakes in Europe, shared by Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. You can take a scenic boat tour across the lake.
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Lindau (Germany): A beautiful historic town on an island in Lake Constance, known for its picturesque harbor and medieval architecture.
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Bregenzerwald Region: Known for its traditional wooden architecture, rolling green hills, and excellent hiking opportunities.
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Kanisfluh Sunrise Hike: A rewarding early-morning hike with spectacular sunrise views over the Alps.
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Mellau & Bödele: Stunning mountain areas with gondolas leading to hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints.
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Schönebach: A traditional alpine village famous for its Kässpätzle (Vorarlberg’s famous cheese dish).
Bregenzer Festspiele (Bregenz Festival)
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The Bregenzer Festspiele is a world-famous performing arts festival held every summer in Bregenz, featuring spectacular open-air opera productions on a floating stage on Lake Constance. The combination of breathtaking stage designs, high-quality performances, and the unique lake setting makes it a must-visit cultural event.
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Getting tickets: The festival is extremely popular, so we recommend booking tickets well in advance. Tickets can be purchased directly through the official website: www.bregenzerfestspiele.com
Architecture Highlights
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Kunsthaus Bregenz (KUB): A contemporary art museum designed by Peter Zumthor.
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Therme Vals (Switzerland): A world-renowned spa and wellness center designed by Zumthor, integrating natural stone and water.
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Werkraum Bregenzerwald: A showcase of modern craftsmanship and architectural innovation in the region.
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Vorarlberg Museum (Bregenz): A cultural museum with a striking modern facade, combining contemporary and historical elements.
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inatura – Natural Spectacle (Dornbirn): A museum of nature, humans, and technology housed in a former factory building, a great example of adaptive reuse in architecture.
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Stadtbibliothek Dornbirn (Dornbirn): Designed by Dietrich | Untertrifaller Architects, this modern library is a cultural hub known for its sustainable wooden structure.
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BUS:STOP Krumbach (Bregenzerwald): A collection of unique bus stops designed by renowned international architects, blending function with experimental design.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit and discover some of the amazing sights near the conference locations!
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Yes! After registering, you will gain access to a member site where we’ll provide detailed updates about hotels, transportation, and schedules.
Upon arrival at the conference, you will also receive a printed booklet with all essential information.
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Yes, but please note that refunds are only available until April 1, 2025. After this date, cancellations are non-refundable.
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Besides the conference registration fee, please budget for:
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Flights and transportation
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Accommodation costs
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Lunches and any additional meals
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Sightseeing or personal expenses
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