Stefan Rasberger

InnsbruckarchitecturePhotography | Graphic

17 Feb

Stefan, please introduce yourself:

Hello, my name is Stefan Rasberger. I studied art history and currently work as a designer and photographer. Together with my wife, I run a graphic design studio in Innsbruck, specializing in book and exhibition design. And as you can probably tell right away — I have a deep love for architecture!

@ Johanna Rasberger

#1 How does your background in graphic design help you express yourself in new ways within architectural and urban photography?

My design approach strongly influences my photography – especially when it comes to composition, lines and the deliberate use of negative space. I see architecture not only as a building, but also as a graphic structure that can be broken down into surfaces, contrasts and shapes. My background helps me to recognise order and rhythm in urban fragments and to develop them further in terms of design.

#2 In your project “Stadtbild Innsbruck”, you showcase college-like excerpts of the city. How did you approach the selection of architectural details, and what inspired the composition of these images?

“Stadtbild Innsbruck” is a kind of visual puzzle of the city. I selected elements that, when combined, create an alternative cityscape – away from tourist clichés. I find inspiration in the everyday: inconspicuous facades, patterns, materials. Many of the photographs capture architectural details of building façades from the 1980s and 1990s, primarily found on the outskirts of Innsbruck. During this period, architects increasingly favored pastel shades. To avoid harsh shadows and highlight the vibrant colors of the façades, I intentionally photographed the entire series under overcast skies. This also ensures visual uniformity, which plays a key role in the conceptual coherence of the series.

Stadtbild Innsbruck

#3 Your “Solito Posto” series has a distinctive feel. Could you tell us more about what makes this series special, and how do you approach naming your projects?

“Solito Posto” means “ordinary place” – a term that describes the melancholy, deserted character of the series well. The pictures show places that seem familiar on the one hand, but strange or remote on the other. I am fascinated by “non-places” in urban spaces; for me, they tell us a lot about society and the times we live in. The name of a project usually arises intuitively – I look for terms that open up an additional level of meaning, but don't anticipate everything.

Solito Posto

#4 Are there particular buildings you enjoy photographing repeatedly? What makes them special to you?

Some buildings captivate me through their materiality, others through the way they interact with light and shadow. Brutalist architecture in particular always draws me in – the clear geometry, the raw surface, and the play of mass and emptiness. Unfortunately, we don't have many great examples of this in Innsbruck, but the Mariahilfpark and the youth hostel are beautiful in their own way. And as already mentioned, I am always drawn to “non-places” such as empty highways, service stations, train stations or harbors.

#5 Many of your photographs convey a dark, almost dystopian mood. Do you think architecture alone can evoke such an atmosphere, or do other factors play a role?

Architecture can certainly influence such a mood, but there are always several factors at play - light, weather, surroundings and certainly the absence of people. I consciously reinforce this effect through my visual language in certain series: reduced colors and often deserted scenes. Abandoned places exert a great fascination on me. But that always means getting up early. :)

#6 How do light and color influence your photographic work and the way you perceive and stage architecture?

Light is definitely a crucial element. As mentioned before, I photograph, whenever possible, under overcast skies to create soft shadows on the façades. The architecture is meant to take center stage, not the interplay of light and shadow

Solito Posto

#7 How do you see the role of an architect in today’s society?

Architects don’t just design buildings, they shape our entire living environment. In this regard, I see a strong parallel to graphic design: both architects and graphic designers act as mediators between function, aesthetics, and sustainability. Through the intentional use of visual elements, they can – albeit to a limited extent – initiate changes in society. In times of climate change and resource scarcity, their responsibility is growing steadily – it’s about creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also future-proof.

#8 How does your environment influence your work?

I grew up in a high-rise estate outside the historic and touristy city centre – and that definitely left its mark on me. Even today, I often find the outskirts of big cities with their distinctive apartment blocks much more exciting than the centres. With my “Stadtbild Innsbruck” project, I wanted to move away from the idealised image of the city: no Golden Roof, no pretty rows of houses, no mountains – just shapes and colours. Looking back, I was only partially successful, as the colourful pastel details also idealise the image of Innsbruck in their minimalist way. I'm currently on the way back to a more authentic depiction of my hometown.