We present an integrated approach combining region and contour-based techniques to enhance both segmentation and recognition processes. This cue integration operates on the level of contour-based groups and complete regions, which are matched to reflect a common cause in the image (and thus in the scene). Additionally, we realize a top-down scheme controlling the segmentation process based on un-resolvable image areas and the integration of processes on different time scales using a region memory. Results for real images are given showing distinct improvements of recognition results.