BAU Reports a Positive Outcome

At the beginning, expectations on BAU 2025 were subdued due to the economic climate, said Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München. However, the rather pessimistic assessment did not materialize. On the contrary: “The response from exhibitors and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Especially in these times, BAU inspires confidence and optimism.” As the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems, BAU is a key driver of innovation and an essential platform for exchange. This year, it once again fulfilled its role as the premier event for the construction sector. Felix Pakleppa, Managing Director of the Zentralverband des Deutschen Baugewerbes (ZDB), the central association of the German construction industry, confirms: “With its key themes of transformation, the future of housing, and resource and climate protection, BAU 2025 is once again providing groundbreaking stimuli for the future of construction. It remains an indispensable platform where manufacturers, planners, and the construction industry collectively drive progress forward.”

On the fully booked exhibition grounds of Messe München, BAU addressed the industry’s core challenges through its five key themes and provided insights into practical future prospects, innovations, and trends. “This year’s BAU has demonstrated that sustainability is no longer just a goal but a fundamental principle guiding our actions. From innovative building materials to digital planning processes and integrative approaches to urban spaces—the diversity and quality of the solutions presented were impressive. Given their significance in shaping society, they must continue to receive strong federal political support,” said Andrea Gebhard, President of the Federal Chamber of Architects.

A compelling supporting program complemented the trade fair offerings, including the Talks+Guided Tours by World-Architects. After insightful lectures, leading experts shared their personal highlights with visitors to deepen the content of their presentation and establish a connection to practical applications. Speakers and tour guides included Kristina Ziadeh (studio*k, Berlin), Markus Penell (O&O Baukunst, Berlin), Daria Kovaleva (Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design, Stuttgart), Max Otto Zitzelsberger (MAX OTTO ZITZELSBERGER, Munich), and Andreas Krawczyk (NKBAK, Frankfurt).

Max Otto Zitzelsberger addressed the multifaceted topic of economic efficiency in construction. Reflecting on the trade fair, he stated: “As an independent designer, I am always interested in questions of presentation and self-presentation. In this regard, the trade fair is an Eldorado. Each company showcases the essence of its marketing strategy. Some companies genuinely face the pressing issues of our time. This is expressed, for example, in minimalistic booth designs that make do with few and reusable materials. Our critical inquiries on topics of sustainability and resources were also answered in a differentiated and honest manner.” The junior professor added: “Those who are not dazzled by the flawless presentations of manufacturers—with high-resolution screens, videos of smiling, beautiful models in front of products staged in perfect lighting—can actually discover valuable information and encounter an entire universe of new possibilities.”

The success of the trade fair was also reflected in a survey conducted by the opinion research institute Gelszus. A remarkable 95% of exhibitors rated BAU as excellent to good. Its status as the leading trade fair was recognized by 91% of respondents. Furthermore, 94% of exhibitors gave top marks for visitor quality, and 91% praised the international reach. Visitors themselves also expressed high satisfaction, with 97% rating BAU 2025 as excellent to good.