Light defines space. It creates atmosphere, supports functions and makes architecture emotionally tangible. The key theme Living Light explores how targeted lighting design can enhance living, working and urban spaces with expression and clarity.
It is about more than technical efficiency – the focus is on design quality, sensory experience and the ability to interpret spaces flexibly through dynamic light. Whether in private interiors, public settings or lighting installations in hospitality and retail: Living Light unites aesthetic intention with intelligent technology.
Smart & Human Centric Lighting
Human Centric Lighting puts people at the centre of lighting design. Using daylight-inspired lighting, biodynamic light and adaptive controls, work and living spaces can be aligned with the circadian rhythm. Lighting systems respond to time of day, usage and surroundings – promoting well-being, concentration and design freedom. Intelligent lighting systems create spaces that adapt to the needs of their users.
Lighting Design & Technology
Design meets technology: high-quality lighting technology, precise planning and creative concepts shape contemporary light architecture. For lighting designers, interior architects and planners, the focus is on solutions that combine aesthetic quality with compliance in terms of energy efficiency and control. Light + Building 2026 presents the latest innovations – from modern lighting control to interior lighting concepts – forward-looking, functional and design-driven.
Light & Wellbeing
Light influences health, mood and perception. Concepts that incorporate healthy lighting draw on the effects of the circadian rhythm and biologically effective light. The aim is to use visual and non-visual effects consciously – to support well-being, concentration and a natural day-night cycle. Spaces with appropriate lighting design promote regeneration, enhance performance and contribute to a higher design standard.
Urban & Retail Lighting Solutions
In public and commercial environments, light provides orientation, safety and atmosphere – and plays a vital role in how spaces and products are perceived. Whether safety lighting, shop lighting or lighting concepts for restaurants and hotels: solutions in retail and urban design combine function with architectural expression. Targeted staging creates visual experiences that foster identity and improve the quality of stay – from streetscape to sales floor.
Outdoor Lighting Solutions
Outdoor lighting brings together functionality and spatial staging. From garden and façade lighting to pathways, public squares and parks – well-considered design ensures orientation, safety and atmosphere. Smart outdoor lighting can be seamlessly integrated into architecture, landscapes and urban settings. Alongside energy efficiency and durability, design flexibility and contextual sensitivity are key to modern outdoor lighting systems.
Design Trends & Materials
Lighting design both follows and shapes current design trends. Organic forms, sustainable materials and innovative surfaces meet technological developments such as smart controls and modular systems. Today’s lighting trends balance aesthetics, functionality and responsibility. Light + Building 2026 presents how luminaires become spatial design elements – blending lighting ideas, individual expression and scalable production.
Emotional & Adaptive Lighting
Light stages space. Through colour temperature, intensity and control, it influences mood, perception and atmosphere. Adaptive lighting concepts respond to time of day, use and context – they add emotional depth and transform architecture into immersive experience. In hospitality, wellness or temporary settings, emotional lighting design opens up new creative possibilities and makes space truly perceptible.
New Work
Evolving work environments demand adaptable lighting solutions. Workplace lighting, ergonomic concepts for the office and smart home applications place high demands on quality and flexibility. The focus is on indirect lighting, flexible luminaires and controllable settings that integrate into hybrid working spaces. Light + Building showcases how functional needs and design standards merge in forward-looking lighting concepts.