In a preliminary project implemented by the REGIO-V Regionalentwicklung Vorarlberg Local Action Group (LAG), the vacant hotel "Landammann" in Andelsbuch was partially adapted for use by the Open Youth Work Bregenzerwald. The new premises, also known as the "Gute Stube", were used to raise the creative potential of young adults through the first events held.

The joint profile of the Open Youth Work Bregenzerwald with the "Gute Stube" needed to be consolidated and strengthened. It was important not only to "offer" and to deliver, but to build up the whole concept participatively and with active engagement from the dialogue group. The "Gute Stube" saw itself as a platform to promote youth entrepreneurship, social engagement and a "nucleus" of creative, regional structures. Occasionally, the property was also used by the Open Youth Bregenzerwald to engage with other actors and programmes to stimulate new ideas and events.

The aim of this project was to strengthen and secure open youth work in the Bregenzerwald region through use of the "Gute Stube". Constant development of the space and activities on offer aimed to improve quality assurance of the space's design and use and increase networking in the region. The contemporary and attractive opportunity for active participation and stimulation of self-initiative also aimed to create a basis for and enable young adults to raise their creative potential, career orientation and entrepreneurial spirit.

The exterior of the building was repainted, and the terrace was repaired and shaded. Lights, chairs and side tables were purchased for the interior, and building signage was installed to make the "Gute Stube" visible. The former hotel rooms were converted into creative suites and adapted individually.

Young adults approached the open youth work with ideas or concrete concepts, and then tried them out and experimented with their implementation. Through different formats, such as workshops, concerts, or use of the creative suites, social learning occurred and relationships between people with different cultures and generations were strengthened.

Thus, events were held, ideas such as a photo lab (which led to a newly founded photo club) were implemented, and initiatives such as those of the young ‘Forest Filmcrew’ were strengthened because young people had somewhere to meet or work together. Projects were planned and implemented and offers were developed in a participatory way (Finest, Stubat, Keks Kreisel). Young people were actively involved in all activities, such as the supervision of the artists, etc. Established networks of media, artists, and other actors were made available and supportive framework conditions were created for young people to implement their activities.

Overall, the success of the project was shown on one hand by the constantly high number of visitors and users of the "Gute Stube", as well as the increasing demand for events and the premises. During the project period, 42 people used the creative suites as temporary rehearsal rooms, starter offices, studio/photo labs, sound studios, etc.). Over 30 events for young adults have been held there about culture, youth entrepreneurship, innovation, self-efficacy, and community engagement. Many of them involved participatory co-design between the target audience and those implementing the activities. Over 50 people were involved as direct co-organisers, partners and board members.

The “Gute Stube” has positioned itself as a supporter of youth entrepreneurship, as well as a promoter of regional youth in terms of cultural offerings. Many contacts, collaborations and networks have been established since its creation. Many artistically/musically gifted participants were fostered through other cultural initiatives and can now be found on national stages, so the hope is for this space to offer a similar platform.

The cooperation with other associations and regional institutions has been significantly strengthened as well, leading to new joint events.

Participation by all relevant actors was important from the beginning. Dialogue groups were established so that the project partners felt that both the space and activities offered were tailored to their needs. This involved establishing cooperation with regional associations, institutions, cultural associations and schools to ensure that the regional, youth-cultural and contemporary offerings could constantly develop and meet the needs and requirements of the younger generation.