A day at the Fair
What are the benefits to architects in attending construction expos?
Last month I was at this year’s BAU Messe in Munich, Germany. I came with drawings in hand, and a list of questions relating to the latest project in our office.
I think one needs three days to walk and explore the 200,000 m2 of halls and 2,260 exhibitors at the Munich Trade Fair (BAU Messe). Unfortunately one Friday was not enough. But the companies that caught my eye:
Frauenhofer An applied research organization offering education and research, such as studies on recycled materials
Whisperwool acoustics - Ceiling panels, artwork, room dividers, etc. all from wool
Venuro Seemingly frameless and minimal mullions are the trend
Not to be missed at the Munich trade fair was the window manufacturer Schüco.
Where is the market going in 2025?
The market is being slowly pushed – by public sensibilities and anticipated changes in regulation and competing services. The construction industry is considering Cradle to Cradle, and it seems competition is raising standards.
Dipl. Engineer Thomas Romm said in a lecture I'd attended last November, that approximately 90% of the embodied carbon in buildings can be saved when existing buildings are repurposed. It seems the industry is angling in anticipation of the need to build as carbon-efficiently as possible.
Reducing carbon emissions is a priority in the marketing of Schüco products.
An environmental way to build is to “value up,” or renovate and adaptively reuse existing structures. Schüco is making inroads to streamline documentation and recycling, reliably automate surveying, and offer adjustable window and facade replacements.
“Buildings are the future suppliers of raw materials.” That means a commitment to collect construction waste at the end of buildings’ life-cycles. Schüco is endeavoring to compete with the auto-industry and gain access to aluminum in construction demolition, and also bring a second life to building components.
The manufacturer even recycles elastomers from construction waste. Certain types of plastics can be recycled up to seven times!
Facilities management can be streamlined with a click of a barcode. Each window assembly code can electronically record all parts and maintenance, and at the end of life, the recyclability of its content.
In the design process Schüco models fassade systems in BIM, quickly calculating a materials list, price and anticipated carbon emissions. Products come with Certified EPDs (Environmental Product Declaration).
Seng Chye Koek and Amy Lett at the 2025 BAU Messe Munich
Photo: Sash Media! ©Sasha Bartel
Munich’s next construction trade fair at the fairgrounds will be Jan. 11-15 2027, with the theme, “The future of building.”
What’s the best trade fair for architects? Give us a tip below!
Written by Amy Lett Registered Architect
Contributor to AIA International Communication & PR Committee
Photo credits: Amy Lett, ©Frauenhofer WKI Peter Meinischmidt, Schüco International KG, Sash Media! ©Sasha Bartel
