Design, technology, and sustainability to lead dialogue at Light + Building 2026

Light + Building, which will take place in Frankfurt from March 8 to 13, 2026, is going to examine how sustainability, digital connection, and human-centric lighting are altering architecture and building technologies.

Digitalisation, urbanisation, and the objective of climate neutrality are all driving global evolution in architecture and technology. These dynamics influence how cities grow, buildings are used, and places are built. From March 8 to 13, 2026, Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main will highlight significant future concerns in the lighting and building services technology sectors. Three major themes will shape the future of the built environment: “Sustainable Transformation”, “Smart Connectivity”, and “Living Light”.

These three major themes highlight the industry’s current trends. They offer direction in a dynamic market environment and emphasise the technological, design-oriented, and sociological criteria that will shape how we construct and live in the future. The key sectors of action in lighting and building services technology are defined as “Sustainable Transformation”, “Smart Connectivity”, and “Living Light”, which range from climate-friendly energy supply and digital connectivity to light’s atmospheric properties. They demonstrate how technological innovation, architectural design, and system integration may be used to develop comprehensive solutions.

Light + Building 2026, the world’s biggest trade show for lighting and building services technologies, brings together all important players to foster inspiration, connection, and innovation. In a rapidly changing market, it provides guidance, practical solutions, and an interdisciplinary platform for future-ready design, construction, and living. Steffen Larbig, Director of Brand Management for Light + Building, explains the importance of the top themes for this international innovation meeting point: “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. We aim 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 more detailed look at the three top themes indicates the main content and goals that Light + Building 2026 will focus on:

Sustainable Transformation  
Climate goals, resource stewardship, and the energy transition in existing buildings are altering the requirements for tomorrow’s design. Light + Building will present how design, technology, and infrastructure may be combined to build an energy-efficient whole under the overarching topic of “Sustainable Transformation”. This covers systems and technology for intelligent energy management and efficiency, renewable heat integration solutions, and energy storage and smart grid interaction. The study will evaluate e-charging infrastructure and ecosystems, including planning, load control, and lighting design. This subject also emphasises integrated urban development solutions that link energy, mobility, and design.

Smart Connectivity  
Buildings are rapidly becoming digital systems with several interfaces. The top theme, “Smart Connectivity”, highlights how intelligent technology can improve planning, operation, and consumption efficiency. This includes smart building infrastructure, IoT and AI for building management, as well as software solutions and digital processes that make daily tasks easier. It also incorporates BIM and digital twins, which link digital planning to real-world construction operations. Cybersecurity and connected security solutions secure digital systems, while system integration and predictive maintenance enable resilient, long-term building operations.

Living Light  
Beyond only providing illumination, light also fosters ambience, facilitates functionality, affects well-being, and turns areas into immersive experiences. The top theme, Living Light, combines aesthetic, practical, and technological views, demonstrating how light can be used to construct and influence places. It focuses on lighting systems that are adaptive and human-centric, responding to time of day, spatial use, and individual needs while boosting wellbeing, orientation, and productivity. The theme also includes high-quality lighting design and technology, the use of light to promote health, and lighting solutions for public and retail spaces, ranging from streets and facades to focused product displays. Outdoor lighting ideas for gardens, parks, and paths supplement this. Current design trends, materials, and emotionally responsive lighting all provide additional impulses. Lighting solutions for flexible working environments, described under the concept of New Work, complete the theme.

The three main themes reflect both current and future industry trends. At the same time, they create a thematic framework for Light + Building 2026’s vast event programming. Specialist lectures, guided tours, special presentations, and panel discussions will address key themes, delve further into current developments, and encourage interdisciplinary discourse.

Building. Technology. Solutions.  
24/7 Industry Insights – A single platform for all trends. Discover new ideas from the area of smart building technologies. Relevant, neutral, and customisable: Building. Technology. Solutions. Light + Building.

Light + Building is the world’s biggest trade event for lighting and building services technology. The next iteration will take place from March 8 to 13, 2026.

For more information, visit: http://www.light-building.com