The International Building Exhibition (IBA) Munich Metropolitan Region is now seeking innovative and visionary ideas on "Spaces of Mobility"—marking the first phase of Bavaria's inaugural IBA and the world's first IBA dedicated to mobility. Municipalities, businesses, scientists, and civil society organizations are invited to submit bold project concepts: from architectural designs and virtual environments to cutting-edge research initiatives and planning frameworks. This launch begins the IBA's ten-year journey, culminating in 2034 with a showcase year that will present results to the world.

Prof. Dr. (University of Florence) Elisabeth Merk, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Internationale Bauausstellung Metropolregion München GmbH and Chief Urban Planning Officer of Munich: "Bavaria's first International Building Exhibition represents a remarkable opportunity for our entire region to reimagine and advance the diverse dimensions of mobility. This powerful catalyst will foster world-class projects of excellence, developed collaboratively across the region."

Julianna Günther, Managing Director of Internationale Bauausstellung Metropolregion München GmbH: "Over the next decade, the IBA will establish a framework for reimagining mobility and its spatial, ecological, and social dimensions across our cities, communities, and landscapes. We're bringing together diverse stakeholders to think bigger and bolder about these challenges. Through this call for projects, we're inviting initial submissions—whether architectural designs, strategic concepts, or innovative programs—that offer visionary approaches to mobility spaces throughout the Munich region." Günther adds: "We welcome ideas across the entire spectrum: from quick-win interventions to transformative projects that tackle our region's most pressing mobility challenges."

Anita Hirsch, Head of Economics & Science at Ingolstadt's Economic Affairs Department: "Fostering collaboration among business, science, administration, and government has always been central to our economic development strategy. We see the IBA Munich Metropolitan Region as an opportunity to generate fresh thinking about mobility spaces, align stakeholders around shared goals, and build the momentum needed to keep our region competitive and thriving."

Jonas Bellingrodt, Urban Planner at Freising's Office for Urban Planning, Environment and Climate Protection: "Through our Future District at the Railway Station, Freising is committed to setting new benchmarks in social inclusion, ecological integration, and climate-conscious urban development—enabling a fundamentally different approach to mobility. The IBA Munich Metropolitan Region can be the catalytic force we need."

Project submissions are welcome throughout the IBA's ten-year tenure. The first deadline is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. All concepts received by then will be presented at the inaugural "IBA Project Ideas Day" on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the House of Architecture.

Over the following months, the IBA will work closely with project sponsors to develop concepts further. Support extends beyond project refinement to include funding acquisition, communication strategy, and connections with key stakeholders. An international panel of experts and the IBA supervisory board will then determine which projects merit "IBA candidate" status by autumn 2025. From this cohort, viable "IBA projects" will be selected for the final phase—receiving comprehensive support and rigorous guidance from the IBA organization as they move toward realization.

To achieve "IBA candidate" designation, projects must demonstrate innovative, compelling, and feasible solutions to critical mobility challenges facing the region. The complete criteria are available at www.iba-m.de, helping prospective sponsors evaluate and refine their ideas before submission.

The IBA has created a questionnaire for submissions, available at www.iba-m.de. Eligible participants include municipalities, companies, foundations, associations, universities, and individuals throughout the Munich Metropolitan Region with projects addressing "Spaces of Mobility" and interest in the IBA's qualification process.

Internationale Bauausstellung Metropolregion München GmbH was established in November 2023. The initiative is jointly supported by the City of Munich, City of Augsburg, City of Ingolstadt, Munich District, Freising District, and the European Metropolitan Region Munich association.

International building exhibitions represent a time-honored approach to urban and regional development, particularly in German-speaking countries, typically spanning a decade. The renowned Weissenhofsiedlung in Stuttgart—product of the first "IBA format" in the late 1920s—continues to command global attention today. Whether buildings, neighborhoods, infrastructure, innovative planning tools, or social and cultural initiatives, projects emerging from an IBA framework typically achieve enduring international influence and relevance.

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