10 years! In 2026, Architecture Matters celebrates its tenth anniversary. More than ever, we are convinced that our cities can only be shaped collectively — by thinking all spheres together: architecture, project development, clients, finance, public administration and politics. Perhaps we are less naïve than we were at the beginning — but we still believe in the enlightening power of dialogue: not as lip service, but as a genuine exchange rooted in mutual interest. We believe in returns measured not only in financial profit, but also in the common good. And we believe in the power of good design.
Architecture Matters 2026 – How to connect to an uncertain future?
Anyone travelling eastward from Germany quickly senses that the meaning of resilience for European cities is expanding into a new dimension: How do we protect our cities against hostile military attacks? How would we defend them in the event of conflict? Do we know where they are particularly vulnerable — in their “hardware” or rather in their “software”? Alongside the challenges posed by climate change, demographic transformation and AI, Europe is now experiencing a new form of uncertainty: a fragile geopolitical order and a world that is being fundamentally reshaped.
How much time do we have left? The real estate industry is notoriously slow in translating the widely available knowledge of how to build faster, more affordably and more simply into structural change. How can we shorten discussions without slipping into authoritarianism or resetting everything to zero? How can we continue to build as resource-efficiently as possible, even under difficult economic conditions? How are investment decisions made in times of structural uncertainty, and what role does political stability play? What impact will the massive investments in defence and military infrastructure have on urban planning? And where do we find the productive force that allows us to shape the future despite — or together with — uncertainty, rather than becoming overwhelmed by it?
How do we connect to an uncertain future?
Through its keynotes, the conference brings together perspectives from New York, Milan, Berlin and Munich — powerful and inspiring examples centred around this productive force. The Focus Sessions will address topics including Focus Finance, AI, Phase Zero, Light Industrial, Offices of the Future and the Female Focus, dedicated to greater diversity and resilience in urban development.
Key Speakers 2026:
Elizabeth Diller, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York, Reinier de Graaf, OMA, Rotterdam, Carlo Ratti, Senseable City Lab, MIT, Cambridge, Christian Bernreiter, Bavarian State Minister for Housing, Construction and Transport
With guests from architecture, culture, real estate, finance, politics and public administration: Matthias Alexander, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; David Basulto, Founder of ArchDaily; Jürgen Fenk, Board Member DIH AG (Zech Group); Jan Friedrich, Bauwelt; Franz-Stefan Gady, military analyst; Henning Koch, Commerz Real; Arian Lehner, architektur.aktuell; Regula Lüscher, Die Stadtmacherin; Gerd Harry Lybke, EIGEN+ART; Christian Meister, Hines; Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Merk, Head of Urban Planning, City of Munich; Dr. Jürgen Michels, Bayern LB; Chris Middleton, Kinzo; Chrissie Muhr, Experimental Foundation; Thomas Sevcik, arthesia; Martha Thorne, Gallery Institute.
Curated by Nadin Heinich, plan A.
Architecture Matters 2026
Opening Reception
15 April 2026, 6:30 pm
ZIRKA Space, Dachauerstr. 110c, 80636 Munich
Architecture Matters 2026
Conference
16 April 2026, 9 am – 6 pm
House of Communication, Friedenstr. 24, 81671 Munich
www.architecturematters.eu
