Architecture and technology are evolving worldwide driven by 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 currently shaping the industry. They provide guidance in a dynamic market environment and highlight the technological, design-oriented 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.
As the worlds leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology, 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 Brand Management for Light + Building, describes the significance 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. 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 tomorrows architecture. Under the top theme Sustainable Transformation, 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, as well as 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 complement this. Additional impulses are provided by current design trends, materials and emotionally responsive lighting. Lighting solutions for flexible working environments summarised under the concept of New Work round off the theme.
The three top themes reflect the topics currently shaping the industry and those that will influence it in the future. At the same time, they provide the thematic framework for the extensive event programme of Light + Building 2026. Specialist lectures, guided tours, special presentations and panel discussions will address central issues, examine current developments in greater depth and promote interdisciplinary dialogue.
Light + Building The worlds leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology. The next edition will take place from 8 to 13 March 2026.
