Since its debut in 2000, Light+Building, a biennial trade fair aimed at the architecture and technology sectors, has gone from strength to strength. James Christopher looks at what to expect from the latest instalment
Some 2,200 exhibitors and 160,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Frankfurt Messe on 11-16 April for the 2010 edition of Light+Building. Exhibitors will be presenting solutions and trends – in particular related to energy efficiency, the theme of this year’s event.
The show creates the world’s largest stage for the lighting market, with some 1,500 companies exhibiting. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a wide range of lighting technology, including technical lighting as well as components and accessories for the market.
Technical lighting, including LEDs for commercial and public buildings, will be represented in Halls 3, 4 and 10.1, as well as in the Forum and Festhalle. Exterior lighting for public spacing will be presented under the heading ‘Urban Lighting’ in Hall 5, and technical design-oriented luminaires will be in Halls 1 and 5.1. Decorative lighting for commercial, public and domestic areas will be in Halls 5.1, 6.0, 6.1 and 10.1, and technical components in Hall 4.
This year’s event will feature a new layout for electrical engineering in Halls 8 and 11. This will include companies in the cables, wiring, switches, and information and communications equipment sectors. Energy-efficient systems, network technology and design-oriented electrical equipment will be key areas of focus for the 450 exhibitors.
The broad spectrum covered by electrical engineering will be split into three areas: energy efficient systems for buildings/electrical installation/infrastructure in buildings (Hall 8); networks and electrical installation (Hall 11); and design-oriented electrical installations and systems technology in buildings (Hall level 11.1).
“With the new Hall 11 there is a unique opportunity to cater for the growth in this area and for the new ways in which exhibitors are presenting themselves,” says Michael Peters, member of the board of management at Messe Frankfurt.
Meanwhile, Hall 9 will focus on presenting future-proof solutions for building automation, facility management and contracting work. Particular attention will be paid to how intelligent building automation can play a key role in reducing energy use in both new and existing buildings.
In addition to the exhibition, Light+Building will also host lectures on the latest developments in this market within the framework of the Building Performance Congress, which runs from 12 to16 April. Events will be held in the Congress centre at Messe Frankfurt.
Networking opportunities
Networking technologies are set to feature strongly this year, with products related to this sector located in Halls 11, 8 and 9. This emphasis on the IT infrastructure also offers a link to the IP-based systems that will be on show.
“The trade fair concept for Light+Building is based on an integrated systems approach and with its sections on lighting, electrical engineering and home and building automation is an ideal platform for network technology based on notions of systems integration,” says Maria Hasselman, director of Light+Building.
This year will also see the introduction of a dedicated meeting place for architects, designers and engineers. The specially equipped Outlook Lounge in the foyer of Hall 4.2 is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences. A number of guided tours will also start from this location.
Also new is the Design Plus powered by Light+Building competition. The award, which is open to exhibitors from all product areas, combines the Design Plus and Light of the Future awards previously held at the show.
Finally, the fifth Luminale will be taking place at the same time as the Light+Building show. For the duration of the fair, museums, galleries, monuments, industrial architecture, façades, squares and parks will be transformed into an international laboratory for lighting. Around 150 lighting events are expected, with participation from artists, designers, performance and visual artists, VJs and DJs, architects and engineers.
Show details
Where? Messe Frankfurt, D-60062 Frankfurt am Main
When? 11-15 April (9.00 – 18.00); 16 April (9.00 – 17.00)
How much? Day ticket: €14 in advance, €16 on arrival; Exhibition pass (all days): €30 in advance, €35 on arrival; Student day ticket: €9 (on arrival only)
