Be Electrified

In a few weeks, the international industry event, Light + Building, will kick off in Frankfurt am Main. The over 2,000 exhibitors promise a wealth of innovations in lighting, electrical technology, home and building automation, as well as connected safety and security technology. Numerous key players, including returning participants such as lighting specialists Erco, Trilux, Zumtobel, or XAL, will be present. This year's motto, Be Electrified, focuses on the ongoing need for electrification as the cornerstone for greater sustainability and a future-proof building sector. Experience the trade fair live or use the digital platform Light + BuildingDigital Extension for your virtual visit.

The new requirements for lighting are as dynamic as the use of spaces changes at the interface between digital systems, intelligent building control, and networked mobility. Light should be flexible and individually usable, combine multiple functions, and integrate high-quality design with innovative technology. Light + Building brings together global experts on intelligent lighting solutions and presents all facets of lighting to its professional audience: from technical luminaires for offices, education, industry, and commerce to street and urban lighting, shop and emergency lighting—the market leaders are in Halls 3.0, 5, and the Forum—to decorative and design-oriented luminaires, as well as components, light sources, and light control in Hall 8. A new feature is the circular route along Via Mobile from Halls 5 and 6, across the Forum to Halls 3 and 4. Halls 10.1 and 10.2 are dedicated to Asian lighting manufacturers.

In the smart home and smart building, electrification and digitalization are the basis for the successful interconnection of the various trades. Sustainable houses and buildings will utilize regenerative energy sources, feature efficient and economical energy management, and provide comfort and security. The latest products, technologies, and trends for electrical engineering and home and building automation are in focus in the western section of the exhibition center in Halls 9, 11, and 12. Many key players in the industry have confirmed their participation, including Bosch-Buderus, Busch-Jaeger, Gira, Hager, and Warema. The safety and security technology sector with the Intersec Building branding in Hall 9.0 has also been expanded.

In thematic proximity to home and building automation and electrical technology, the Building Plaza in Hall 9.0 and the ZVEI Technology Forum in Hall 12.1 offer industry-relevant lectures. Topics addressed include energy transition, sustainable construction, and networked security technology. At the Building Plaza, the Energiewendebauen Congress (Energy Transition Construction Congress) will take place for the first time on March 6 and 7. A specialized forum for the trades is also offered. 

The equivalent event in the lighting sector is the Design Plaza in Hall 3.1. This meeting point revolves around light, architecture, and design for six days. A highlight at the beginning of the trade fair is the presentation of the Design Plus Awards by Light + Building. The newly established lecture format, Architeller, with short pitches and live judging, is hosted by Messe Frankfurt and World-Architects. A valuable orientation aid in the vast range of lighting products presented at the industry meeting is certainly the presentation of trends for 2024/25 by the trend bureau bora.herke.palmisano. In addition to other expert lectures—or the Women in Lighting format on International Women's Day—the Design Plaza is also the starting point for guided tours of the trade fair.

From Sunday to Wednesday, World-Architects invite trade fair visitors to Talks + Tours with Sophia Klees (Jack Be Nimble Lighting | Design | Innovation, Berlin) and Professor Andreas Schulz (Licht Kunst Licht, Bonn/Berlin), and to Guided Tours with Professor Clemens Tropp (Tropp Lighting Design, Weilheim), Michael Burghaus (Architekturbüro .pg1, Kaiserslautern), Jan Nielsen (Conceptlicht, Traunreut), Reinhard Germer (L-Plan Lighting Design, Berlin), Sabine De Schutter (Studio De Schutter, Berlin), and Ulrike Brandi (Ulrike Brandi Licht, Hamburg). The international lighting experts guide attendees to their personal trade fair highlights—at Talks+Tours, following an in-depth expert lecture. The guided tours are offered in English or German. Places are limited, so it's best to register here now.

Limited resources, climate change, and social responsibility—these are the three main categories by which the renowned jury—Carla Wilkins (Lichtvision Design), Daniel Walden (A.G Licht), and Michael Burghaus (Architekturbüro .pg1)—will assess the products submitted by exhibitors. The short pitches on Sunday and Tuesday on the Design Plaza bring architects and exhibitors together on relevant topics in an entertaining way. All the important information about Architeller by Messe Frankfurt and World-Architects can be found here. Application is still possible until 12 February 2024!