Between climate goals, growing space requirements, and new pedagogical demands, solutions are emerging that extend far beyond the individual building.

The program of the SCHULBAU trade fair in Frankfurt brings together precisely these perspectives: concrete projects, strategic approaches, and international impulses. It demonstrates how sustainable concepts, the transformation of existing structures, and new forms of learning work together – practical, interdisciplinary, and with a focus on implementation.

Two days that perceive school construction as a collaborative task – between architecture, administration, pedagogy, and urban development.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Opening hours from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Emphases:

Sustainability, Climate Strategies, and Low-Tech in School Construction

How can climate goals be concretely implemented in educational construction – in new buildings as well as in existing ones? The program focuses on strategies that go beyond technical solutions and perceive school construction as part of the energy transition. Topics such as the connection between education for sustainable development and building concepts, the use of renewable energies, and low-tech approaches show paths to robust, long-term viable solutions. Insights from Frankfurt illustrate how sustainability is anchored in the everyday life of schools and daycare centers – through the interplay of planning, operation, and use.

Pedagogy as a Spatial Program: New Forms of Learning and Educational Models

How does space influence learning – and how do pedagogical concepts change architecture? Contributions from practice and research provide insight into open learning landscapes, flexible usage concepts, and alternative teaching formats. Projects such as the Gymnasium Mainz-Mombach or impulses from university teaching show how classic spatial structures are evolving and new learning settings are taking shape. Educational science perspectives contextualize these developments and sharpen the focus on the interplay between space, organization, and learning culture.

Modular Construction, Transformation of Existing Buildings, and International Perspectives

Growing demands, scarce resources, and high time pressure characterize current school construction. The program showcases approaches that bring efficiency and quality together: from modular and serial construction methods to building upon existing structures. International impulses, particularly from Scandinavia, broaden the perspective and open up new approaches to materials, construction, and spatial organization. Municipal examples and concrete projects make it visible how these strategies are implemented under real-world conditions.

1:45 PM: Workshop by the Frankfurt am Main City School Office

“Digital School 2035” – Building Digital Educational Spaces Together

Building on the keynote speech “Outlook on the ‘Digital School 2035’ strategy project with regard to participation, necessity, and process flow,” we would like to work together to build the “Digital School 2035” from a wide variety of perspectives. At various thematic tables, the aspects of space, technology, and the role of those involved will be discussed, and existing “lessons learned” will be identified.

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Opening hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Emphases:

Transformation and Existing Structures: Rethinking Schools

The handling of existing building fabric is at the center of numerous contributions. From the conversion of an office building into a grammar school to renovations during ongoing operations and concepts for “Third Places,” it becomes clear how existing buildings can accommodate new pedagogical and spatial qualities. The focus is on building further instead of replacing – with a view to resources, time, and social requirements.

Management, Processes, and Political Framework Conditions in School Construction

School construction is increasingly a matter of organization and implementation. Contributions on the Startchancen Act as well as municipal insights illustrate how political programs, funding structures, and administrative processes influence concrete projects. The focus is on management questions: How can measures be efficiently coordinated? Which interfaces between planning, administration, and school are decisive? How can complex projects be successfully implemented during ongoing operations? This focus highlights school construction as a process – strategic, structured, and practical.

Pedagogy, Participation, and New Learning Spaces

Architecture and pedagogy are closely intertwined. Contributions from educational research, school practice, and the parental perspective shed light on how learning is changing – and what spaces are necessary for this. Open learning structures, participatively designed outdoor spaces, and new forms of collaboration are at the center. The school is understood as a social place that has an impact beyond the classroom.

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