The special areas at Light + Building 2026 brought technical content to life and invited visitors to explore innovations and future-oriented topics in an interactive way. They combined technology, design, and practical application, offering inspiration for a wide range of target groups – from trades and planners to architects.
Overview of the Special Areas
The Living Light
The special exhibition The Living Light focused on the role of light in everyday life. Through various application scenarios, it demonstrated how light provides orientation, creates atmosphere, and enables interaction. Interactive elements, real spatial installations, and adaptive lighting solutions illustrated how light goes beyond its functional purpose to become an integral part of living and working environments.
ZVEH E-House
The E-House demonstrated how future-ready building technologies can already be implemented today. The walk-in model house showcased intelligent applications and energy-efficient systems – from smart home solutions and photovoltaics to heat pumps – making the innovative strength of the electrical trades tangible.
AI Lounge
The AI Lounge offered practical insights into the use of artificial intelligence in the skilled trades. The focus was on easy-to-implement solutions for everyday business operations, such as process optimisation, planning, and customer communication – all accessible without programming knowledge.
ZVEH Hot Air Balloon
A special highlight was the hot air balloon located on the Agora, offering visitors a unique aerial view of the exhibition grounds. This extraordinary experience added a memorable dimension to the event. The project was realised by the Central association of German electricians (ZVEH) in cooperation with Messe Frankfurt.
BTGA Forum
The BTGA Forum featured a diverse lecture programme on current industry topics such as digitalisation, smart buildings, and energy efficiency. Expert presentations and discussions provided practical knowledge, while additional sessions on building automation and digital twins highlighted forward-looking developments.
Design Interactive – Sketching the Future
This special exhibition offered insights into the creative process of industrial design. Visitors could experience live how ideas are developed and communicated through sketches. It highlighted the continued importance of analogue methods within increasingly digital and AI-driven design processes.
Messe Frankfurt Sustainability Stand
The sustainability stand showcased Messe Frankfurt’s commitment to sustainable event formats. It provided information on strategies, measures, and concrete approaches for environmentally conscious trade fair operations and served as a central point of contact for exhibitors, visitors, and media.