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Key topics and highlights
Experience the digital future trends in the construction industry
Our key topics—digitalBAU 2026
Shortage of skilled workers, cost pressure, long planning procedures and the urgent need to build more sustainably: The construction industry is currently facing numerous challenges. digitalBAU in Cologne from March 24-26, 2026 presents exciting possible solutions, focusing on four key topics that will have a major impact on the future of the industry: Circular economy in the construction industry, Digital optimization of construction processes, Game changer AI and Digitalization for existing buildings.
Circular economy in the construction industry
The future of construction is sustainable and saves resources. In circular construction, building materials are not disposed of after deconstruction, but reused instead in a new function, turning buildings into a valuable raw material warehouse. The exhibitors at digitalBAU will show you which digital approaches are helping to shape the sustainable future of construction. The lectures and discussion panels in the forum program will also show further possible solutions.
Digital optimization of construction processes
Plan more efficiently, build faster, operate more sustainably—digital construction process optimization is the key to the future of building. From BIM and modular manufacturing to digital building permits, new technologies create transparency, reduce costs and accelerate processes.
Game changer AI: building for the future
The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has the potential to replace analogue and manual working methods in repetitive tasks. Find out how AI can be used in the various phases of a construction project.
Digitalization for existing buildings
Building renovation offers great potential for conserving resources and achieving climate targets.
Digital tools help to make renovation more efficient and turn existing projects into smart homes. What does this look like in practice, and what challenges need to be overcome?
The focal points of digitalBAU 2026
Circular economy in the construction industry
- Urban Mining
- Cradle to Cradle
- Design for Disassembly
- Upcycling
Digital optimization of construction processes
- Modular construction and prefabrication
- Serical construction
- Norms and standards
- Cost-efficient residential construction
- Digital research of funding programmes
Game changer AI: building for the future
- Generative design
- Automation
- AI in urban planning
Digitalization for existing buildings
- BIM in existing buildings
- Repurposing (large inner-city areas, simulation of existing assets)
- Renovation and modernisation (political measures to promote building in existing areas)
digitalBAU visitor information
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Key theme archive
A variety of factors influence the development of the construction industry, create changing market conditions and demand creative solutions, especially from the field of digitalisation.
These dynamic developments are reflected in BAU's changing key themes. The key themes of BAU 2023 are still relevant—read more in the archive below.
Digital construction site
Smart city
