The SCHULBAU trade fair in Stuttgart presents the latest strategies and projects for the educational buildings of tomorrow. Since 2016, the federal government, the states and municipalities have been investing billions of euros each year in the modernisation and construction of new schools—Baden-Württemberg alone has an investment volume of more than €1.5 billion. The focus is on sustainable construction methods, flexible spatial concepts and pedagogically well-considered learning landscapes that meet the requirements of a changing education landscape.

Innovative timber and hybrid buildings, modular systems and energy-efficient refurbishments are shaping school construction today, as are participatory planning processes involving teachers, pupils and municipalities. Pedagogical concepts such as open learning clusters, all-day use and inclusion are consistently integrated into the architecture.

The trade fair offers decision-makers from architecture, public administration and education a platform to explore best-practice examples, strengthen networks and provide impetus for future-ready learning environments.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Opening hours from 09:00 to 16:00

Emphases:

Cost-effective construction
The focus is clearly on construction methods that are both cost-effective and sustainable. Clear objectives define the framework for planning and implementation, while consistent consolidation pathways help to bundle investments, set priorities and secure long-term viable solutions in school construction.

Space planning and existing buildings
Space planning focuses on the conscious handling of existing buildings. Recommendations aim to develop existing buildings efficiently, make better use of spatial potential and adapt existing structures to new pedagogical requirements, rather than replacing them with new builds.

Concrete construction and pedagogical ambition
Concrete construction is considered in the tension between architectural quality and functional requirements. The aim is to combine robust, durable construction methods with pedagogical ambition and create learning spaces that are convincing both functionally and atmospherically.

New learning spaces & dual use
New learning spaces are based on flexible spatial concepts that enable different forms of teaching. Models of around 60 m² serve as a basis for versatile uses. Dual use of spaces promotes efficient use of floor area and opens up additional possibilities beyond school operations.

Practical examples from schools
Practical examples from different primary school districts reflect the diversity of school realities. They show how concepts are implemented under varying spatial, social and organisational conditions and which solutions have proven themselves in everyday practice.

Discussion with the Association of Cities
The discussion focuses on urban development programmes and forms of collaboration. Through exchange, joint strategies are developed to embed school construction more strongly in overarching urban development processes and leverage municipal synergies.

Goal of the day:
Develop a shared understanding of the structural, pedagogical and organisational requirements for school construction in Stuttgart.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Opening hours from 09:00 to 16:00

Emphases:

DigitalPakt – Digitalisation Part 2
The second part of digitalisation within the framework of the DigitalPakt focuses on technical infrastructure and equipping schools. At the same time, the pedagogical use of digital tools takes centre stage, in order to integrate technology meaningfully into everyday teaching and create sustainable added value.

Integrating AI
Integrating artificial intelligence opens up new opportunities for teaching and school organisation. AI-supported applications can relieve teachers, support personalised learning processes and make administrative workflows more efficient; however, they require clear framework conditions and media education concepts.

Multiple use and space optimisation
Given limited space, the multiple use of rooms is becoming increasingly important. Digital learning spaces and hybrid usage concepts enable flexible use of existing spatial resources and combine analogue and digital forms of learning efficiently.

Nutrition and food education
Nutrition and food education focuses on healthy eating and mindful handling of food. Both pedagogical concepts and clear safety and quality standards play a central role in embedding sustainable nutrition education in everyday school life.

School space situation
The school space situation is characterised by limited spatial conditions across a total of 188 schools. This starting point makes it clear how important strategic planning, prioritisation and innovative usage concepts are in order to make the best possible use of existing space for teaching and care.

Closing discussion
The closing discussion brings together the content of both days. The aim is to consolidate key insights, develop shared perspectives and define concrete next steps for further collaboration and implementation.

Goal of the day:
Closing discussion
Link digital, healthy and sustainable learning environments and define concrete action steps for implementation and funding.

Hint: The program presented is subject to change. Please understand that there may be short-term adjustments.