At BAU – the world's leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems – more than 2,000 companies from 60 countries will be presenting their solutions and products from across the entire construction value chain in Munich from 13 to 17 January. BAU covers an exhibition area of 200,000 m², occupying all 18 halls at the Munich Exhibition Centre. In addition to innovations from various trades, the accompanying programme offers a glimpse into the future of construction. The construction industry faces numerous challenges. The demand for housing and the calls for more cost-effective, simpler and faster construction continue to grow. It is also necessary to adapt architecture to changing climatic conditions. The BAU supporting programme addresses and discusses these important issues.

The lecture programme features prominent voices from architecture and planning, including Carlo Ratti, curator of the 2025 Architecture Biennale in Venice. On Wednesday, 15 January, at 10:30 a.m., he opens the "The Future of Building" forum (Hall C2, Stand 303) with an inspiring presentation on the future of architecture and urban design. Satoshi Ohashi from Zaha Hadid Architects takes the stage on Friday, 17 January, at 2 p.m. in the same forum to discuss the globally renowned firm's latest projects across Asia. At 3:30 p.m., Prof. Dr. Anupama Kundoo brings her expertise from TU Berlin, where she pioneers sustainable, people-centred architecture through research into innovative materials with socio-economic impact. Rounding out Friday's programme at 4 p.m., Julian Weyer of C.F. Møller showcases sustainability best practices (DGNB Forum, Hall C2, Stand 518). Additional speakers include Verena von Beckerath, Oana Bogdan, Elisabeth Endres, Andrea Klinge and Martin Rauch.

Five core themes shape the fair: resilient, climate-responsive construction; transformation of cities, regions and districts; resource efficiency; modular and productive building; and cost-effective design. These themes are woven throughout multiple special exhibitions. The DGNB special show demonstrates "How Sustainable Construction Works" (Hall C2, Stand 518), while the Fraunhofer Construction Alliance explores affordable, sustainable and secure building practices (Hall C2, Stand 528). ift Rosenheim illustrates climate-safe, resilient construction methods amid rising CO2 emissions (Hall B3, Stand 331). Additional highlights include the Material Bank's sample collection (Hall A4, Stand 133), the German Construction Industry National Team training zone (West Entrance), the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Handwerk's innovation course for craftspeople (Hall C3, Stand 601), and the Bavarian Chamber of Architects' energy-efficient buildings exhibition (West Entrance, Gallery).

In partnership with The Builders Tech Club, Messe München dedicates a full area to emerging companies at BAU 2025 (Hall A3). Construction start-ups will present their innovations and tap into the fair's global network. The Start-up Stage hosts diverse formats—from keynotes and panel discussions to interactive sessions where visitors become part of the conversation. On day two (Tuesday, 14 January), the Founders Fight Night marks a standout moment: start-ups pitch in a live competition held not on a stage, but in a boxing ring. The audience votes to crown the winner of this unconventional verbal showdown.

Award ceremonies and curated tours complete an ambitious programme. As the world's leading construction forum, BAU showcases outstanding achievements across the industry. On opening day (Monday, 13 January), the Architecture + Construction Innovation Award honours manufacturers of breakthrough products and systems. Winners of the "Built on IT – Construction Professions with a Future" competition are revealed on Tuesday, 14 January. The prestigious Balthasar Neumann Prize for Architecture, awarded since 1994, is presented on Wednesday, 15 January. The Federal Association for Building Renovation (BAKA) hosts two award ceremonies that same day: the BAKA Award for Product Innovation and the Education Offensive 2050. Tours range from Talks+Tours by World Architects and DGNB-guided walks to Material Bank explorations, architecture tours, specialised sessions for finishing trades and start-up circuits.

www.bau-muenchen.com