Berlin is hosting the International Building Exhibition

An International Building Exhibition (IBA) took place in Thuringia from 2012 to 2023; here is the grand closing exhibition in Apolda. (Archive photo)

Berlin plans to host an International Building Exhibition (IBA) from 2034 to 2037.

This was decided by the CDU-SPD Senate. According to Christian Gaebler (SPD), the Senator for Urban Development, the initiative will involve implementing projects that serve as models for future urban development. These may focus on areas such as climate protection, climate adaptation or the sustainable management of urban land. The projects will then be presented to a broad national and international audience between 2034 and 2037.

A new state-owned company is being established

To implement the IBA, Berlin is establishing a state-owned company, the statement added. Its role will be to prepare and curate the exhibition and to oversee projects through all stages of implementation. A board of trustees comprising experts in urban planning and architecture, environmental and climate protection, sustainability, mobility, digital technology and social affairs will support the new company. “We want to position Berlin nationally and internationally as a hub for sustainable urban development,” said Gaebler regarding the IBA project. “Key areas of focus include the sensitive development of existing neighbourhoods, the conversion of underused spaces and buildings, and new construction on sites previously used for other purposes.” 

The IBA was last held in Berlin from 1979 to 1987

An IBA is not merely an exhibition, but a development process spanning several years and supported by artistic, architectural and scientific input. In the past, projects of this kind have led to the development and implementation of new architectural and design concepts on several occasions in Germany, including in what was then West Berlin between 1979 and 1987. Discussions about a new initiative have been underway in Berlin for several years now.