Light + Building 2026 to spotlight sustainable transformation in Frankfurt

Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main, from 8 to 13 March 2026, will focus on the “Sustainable Transformation”, “Smart Connectivity”, and “Living Light” themes. These themes reflect the evolving landscape of architecture and technology due to digitalisation, urbanisation, and climate neutrality.

Architecture and technology are evolving worldwide due to digitalisation, urbanisation and the goal of climate neutrality. These forces are shaping how cities expand, how buildings are used, and how spaces are designed. From 8 to 13 March 2026, Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main will spotlight key future issues for the lighting and building services technology sectors. Three top themes will set the agenda for the future of the built environment: “Sustainable Transformation”, “Smart Connectivity” and “Living Light”.

These three top themes reflect the key developments shaping the industry. They provide guidance in a dynamic market environment and highlight the technological, design-orientated and societal requirements that are shaping how we will build and live in the future. “Sustainable Transformation”, “Smart Connectivity” and “Living Light” define the central fields of action in lighting and building services technology – ranging from climate-friendly energy supply and digital connectivity to the atmospheric qualities of light. They illustrate how technological innovation, architectural design and system integration can come together to create holistic solutions.

Light + Building 2026 brings together all the key stakeholders, creating space for inspiration, connection and innovation. In a highly dynamic market, it offers orientation, practical solutions and an interdisciplinary forum for future-ready planning, construction and living.

Steffen Larbig, Director of Brand Management for Light + Building, said, “We use them to focus attention on the developments shaping the lighting and building technology sectors today – and which will be essential tomorrow. As an international platform, we offer the industry a space for dialogue, direction and fresh impetus. Our aim is to connect professionals from architecture, planning, industry, the skilled trades, real estate and the public sector to promote exchange and jointly open up new perspectives for the built future.”

A closer look at the three top themes reveals the key content and priorities that Light + Building 2026 will focus on:

Sustainable transformation

Climate goals, resource responsibility and the energy transition in existing buildings are reshaping the demands placed on tomorrow’s architecture. Under the “Sustainable Transformation” theme, Light + Building will present how architecture, technology and infrastructure can be brought together to form an energy-efficient whole. This includes systems and technologies for intelligent energy management and efficiency, solutions for the integration of renewable heat sources, and the potential of energy storage and smart grid interaction. Concepts for e-charging infrastructure and ecosystems will also be explored, with a focus on planning, load management and lighting design. Integrated urban development solutions that interlink energy, mobility and design form another essential part of this theme.

Smart connectivity

Buildings are increasingly evolving into digital systems with numerous interfaces. The top theme, “Smart Connectivity”, demonstrates how intelligent technologies can boost efficiency in planning, operation and usage. This involves smart building infrastructure, IoT and AI in building management, as well as software solutions and digital workflows that simplify daily routines. It also includes BIM and digital twins that connect digital planning with real-life building operations. Cybersecurity and connected security solutions ensure the protection of digital systems, while system integration and predictive maintenance help enable resilient, sustainable building operation throughout the entire lifecycle.

Living light

Light is more than illumination – it creates atmosphere, supports functionality, influences wellbeing and transforms spaces into immersive experiences. The top theme, Living Light, unites aesthetic, functional and technological perspectives, showing how light can be used to design and shape environments. It focuses on adaptive and human-centric lighting systems that respond to time of day, spatial use and individual needs, promoting wellbeing, orientation and productivity. The theme also encompasses high-quality lighting design and technology, the use of light to support health, and lighting solutions in public and retail environments – from streets and façades to targeted product displays. Outdoor lighting concepts for gardens, parks, and pathways, along with current design trends, materials, and emotionally responsive lighting, complement the theme of New Work, offering flexible working environment solutions.

The three main themes of Light + Building 2026 will shape the industry and future trends, providing a framework for the event programme. It will feature specialist lectures, guided tours, special presentations, and panel discussions to explore central issues and foster interdisciplinary dialogue.