AttheBau2017

Bau Munich - World-leading trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems. Here, it's not just about absurd, overpriced all-rounders offered by pot-bellied blue-collar workers with builder's cleavage. No, here the architect can briefly put on Microsoft's Hololens and plan their window front. Or walk through their house with the HTC Vive to see and experience a selection of window frames in an individual context.

The Bau is hot, and not just since Elon Musk introduced his Solar Roof Pans. I think, for example, of Nest and Google Home, where consumer electronics merge with quite accessible solutions for cooktop or bathroom control. I find it exciting to see which standards are establishing themselves in the Smart Home sector and whom I can allow into my four walls via Wi-Fi.

Nest started with a smart thermostat and has now intelligently linked various smart home solutions in the area of home security with smoke detectors or light and washing machine control. Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or a new Smart Home gadget from Apple: many manufacturers are positioning themselves to get a foot in the door of the customer's living room with their own solutions, quite literally.

Would I like to enter my apartment after a hearty evening only via code or facial recognition? Depending on my current optical state, that could be quite practical, hiccup. An exhibitor mentioned the following: “We have a fire protection window with a fire protection frame here. Theoretically, a mega-fire could be raging in the next room, while you can lean against the window for another hour and, for example, kill your boss enemy on the Xbox.” But would I have the calm in this situation?

This world is becoming increasingly digital. The industry has made a significant leap in the production of sustainably manufactured materials and is moving, driven by young innovative companies, towards 2.0. There are many exhibitors offering more than 1,000 products. Everything here must be made easily understandable and accessible, with configurators or product presentations that don't overwhelm and are fun. There are quite nice tablet solutions offered, but there's definitely room for improvement.

There were extremely many impressions. The IMM in Cologne is certainly more "fancy," but in my opinion, not as versatile. Of course, you can go to Milan for the Salone del Mobile, rub shoulders with the "Who's Who," but what's missing are the characters that make it so authentic for me. And there are hostesses in Munich too. They explain security techniques to today's man or are ready for a selfie. Well screwed is half built. Here's to craftsmanship!

I found it cool.

Cheers.