"BAU will be the most important meeting place for the industry"

04/07/2023 | Print view

The world's leading trade fair for architecture, materials, systems will present completely new window and facade constructions, innovative materials and new systems for industrial, commercial and residential construction in Munich - for the first time in April. What can visitors look forward to, what should you be aware of?

On 115,000 square metres (the equivalent of 16 football pitches) of exhibition space, the companies are looking forward to finally being able to present their new products and unique selling points to a broad trade audience - after all, it has been four years since the last BAU in Präsenz. Manufacturers will be showing a wide range of applications and products for windows, doors and facades - including corresponding ideas in the field of sliding, ventilation and security technology.

In addition to the large exhibition stands of the metal construction system providers, the exhibition circuit also includes solutions for sun shading and smart building. Matthias Strauss, BAU project manager, was already very optimistic about the event in April around six months before the start of the fair, announcing a registration level of 95 per cent of the occupied area compared to BAU 2019.

BAU 2023 fully booked

In the last few weeks and months, a few more registrations have been received, so that one can certainly speak of a fully booked trade fair. Nevertheless, a long waiting list, which was always talked about in the past, is still a long way off.

But the importance of BAU as the most important meeting place for the construction industry is beyond question. Strauss: "We are very pleased that our customers have accepted the change of date so well and are doing everything they can to be part of the world's leading trade fair. After a four-year break, it's simply time to meet in person again and exchange ideas about trends and developments."

Trade fair becomes a signpost

The situation in construction itself has changed dramatically: If one or two years ago people were still talking about strong growth figures and bottlenecks in materials and personnel, companies have now ticked off the pandemic phase.

Other factors such as the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, the interest rate turnaround and fears of recession determine the situation - especially in the new construction market. In this situation, however, the fair can also send positive signals of a new beginning. In the past, too, many a negative prospect has been blown away by a good mood at the fair.

Industrial production and serial construction

In the building industry, the digital transformation is advancing - in all phases of the planning and construction process. BAU is dedicating a separate exhibition area to this topic. In Hall C5, companies will present the latest hardware and software solutions for planning and execution.

Also interesting: The upcoming programme of the 2023 Glass Performance Days

The availability of data in BIM models, both about components and about the building itself, is the prerequisite for standardised and automated production on the factory floor, without which, in turn, serial and modular construction cannot progress. The advantages of this type of construction: reduced construction time, cost savings, less debris on site, less noise on site and fewer construction defects due to better quality control.

Author: Daniel Mund, editor-in-chief GLASWELT magazine