The Future of Building is Now

In just a few weeks, one of the most important platforms for interdisciplinary exchange in the construction sector will open its doors again. As a driver of innovation, BAU connects the industry like no other trade fair, offering its visitors practical perspectives on the future. These perspectives urgently need to be defined as the construction and building sector faces massive challenges and the largest transformation in its history. There is an acute global need for action to ensure the quality of life for current and future generations.

As the world's leading trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems, BAU plays a pivotal role in communicating ideas and showcasing innovations for solving the most pressing issues of our time. Over five days, more than 2,000 companies from 60 countries and regions present their solutions and products for the built environment in Munich. The attractive supporting program, including high-profile forums, complements the event. As a partner of BAU, World-Architects invites visitors to Talks+Tours centered around the key themes from Monday to Friday.

Cost-effective construction for affordable and sustainable housing is undoubtedly one of the key issues for the future, and it continues to provoke debate. According to the latest figures from Germany's Federal Statistical Office, construction costs—already high—rose further in 2023, with this trend likely to continue in the coming years. The key to addressing this issue is to take a holistic view of the entire value chain—planning, construction, and operation. BAU presents approaches and solutions to achieve this. Implementing economical construction requires the right political framework conditions, such as the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development, and Building's (BMWSB) policy package to reduce construction costs. Building research also contributes significantly to developing new solutions for affordable and sustainable construction. The focus is also on pricing, particularly for building products in residential construction. Under the motto "ZUKUNFT BAU", the BMWSB dedicates its stand (Hall C3, Stand 529) to economical construction.

"Strengthen climate resilience" is a core demand of the Architects4future association. Climate change and extreme weather events compel society to take overall responsibility for the proactive adaption and preparation of the built environment. But what does climate-friendly construction mean for future buildings and neighborhoods? And how can existing structures be adapted in a socially and ecologically compatible way? These questions need to be addressed not only by the legislator but by all stakeholders in the construction process, and they are discussed by experts at BAU. The special exhibition "climate.proof.building – Sustainable + climate-resilient" in Hall B3 (Stand 331) offers valuable insights into this context.

There is also a lot to discover with regard to the digitalization in the construction industry, which  can be a key to greater efficiency and productivity. In Hall C3, powered by digitalBAU (with which BAU is forging a link to digitalBAU taking place in March 2026 in Cologne), visitors can explore the latest industry developments. Exhibitors, including select start-ups from TUM Venture Lab Built Environment (Stand 112), present current digital methods and demonstrate the potential of innovative site management software, artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain in construction. Talks+Tours by World-Architects also start in Hall C3.

The trade fair's supporting program is as diverse as the event itself. Forums, specialist events, special shows, award ceremonies, guided tours of the fair, and a Young Professionals program for students and trainees all revolve around the future of building. In Hall A3, a dedicated startup area spotlights young companies in the construction industry, with a highlight being the Founders Fight Night on Tuesday, January 14. Furthermore, the our.house research association for the transformation of existing single-family homes and start-ups from the Technical University of Munich showcase new forms of living, business models, and planning potential (Hall B4, Stand 132).

From Monday to Friday, World-Architects hosts Talks+Tours featuring experts like Kristina Ziadeh (studiok*, Berlin), Markus Penell (O&O Baukunst, Berlin), Daria Kovaleva (Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design, Stuttgart), Max Otto Zitzelsberger (Munich), and Andreas Krawczyk (NKBAK, Frankfurt). Following inspiring lectures, the experts guide participants to their personal highlights of the fair. The Talks+Tours are conducted in English or German. The meeting point is Stand 218 in Hall C3. Places are limited, and registration is required.