Swissness Applied

New Glarus in the US state of Wisconsin has transformed from a dairy farming village into a popular tourist destination since its founding by Swiss immigrants in 1845. After a dramatic economic decline in the 1960s and 1970s, the community has made its Swiss cultural heritage, particularly the local architecture influenced by it, a key element of a successful survival strategy. More and more buildings have been adorned, sometimes retroactively, with elements of chalet architecture to enhance the town's "Swiss" appearance. In 1999, building regulations were even amended to preserve this character.

"Swissness Applied" examines this example of the transformation of small towns founded by immigrants in the USA. Based on an extensive research project, individual buildings are presented, analyzed, and evaluated regarding their impact on the town's appearance. The essays delve into the role of imagery, immigration history, and the import of cultural heritage into North American architecture, as well as "Swissness" as a cultural concept and architectural design foundation.