30.03.2026
Looking back at digitalBAU 2026:
Focus on design freedom and point clouds
digitalBAU took place in Cologne for the fourth time, bringing together the architecture and construction industries for expert discussions and practical solutions in digital planning. With a new visitor record, the trade fair was once again a resounding success for us this year. And in the end, one thing was clear to us: ELITECAD already has the right solutions for the challenges and topics that matter most to the industry.
300
international exhibitors
3
days of expert knowledge
11.000
interested visitors
Strong presence, intense discussions
The atmosphere in hall 8 at Koelnmesse was very good right from the start of the trade fair. Wednesday, in particular, exceeded all expectations, with consistently high attendance and intensive conversations. It became clear that the industry is no longer asking ‘if’, but rather ‘how’:
With ELITECAD Architecture, we were able to provide compelling answers and score highly on all these questions.
The atmosphere in hall 8 at Koelnmesse was very good right from the start of the trade fair. Wednesday, in particular, exceeded all expectations, with consistently high attendance and intensive conversations. It became clear that the industry is no longer asking ‘if’, but rather ‘how’:
- How can planning processes become more efficient?
- How can we successfully transition to consistent (BIM) workflows?
- How can existing data be processed both conveniently and accurately?
- How can I navigate the growing jungle of subscriptions on my own terms?
With ELITECAD Architecture, we were able to provide compelling answers and score highly on all these questions.
Digitisation of existing buildings: spotlight on point clouds
One theme ran like a common thread through numerous conversations. Digital building surveying and the processing of point clouds were the ‘hot topics’ of the trade fair. Demand for solutions that can quickly and accurately convert real-world buildings into digital models has risen exponentially. Working with as-built data is becoming a key industry focus. Many visitors came with specific questions:
In daily presentations at our ELITECAD stand, we demonstrated how the process of turning a point cloud into a 3D model can go from being a hurdle to a real productivity booster. This led (once again) to many eye-opening moments. You can find further insights into this in the digital surveying section of the ELITECAD Architecture product page and also in the features of ELITECAD Architecture 17.
One theme ran like a common thread through numerous conversations. Digital building surveying and the processing of point clouds were the ‘hot topics’ of the trade fair. Demand for solutions that can quickly and accurately convert real-world buildings into digital models has risen exponentially. Working with as-built data is becoming a key industry focus. Many visitors came with specific questions:
- How can point clouds be efficiently processed in ELITECAD?
- How does this result in a clean, precise building model?
- How much effort do such projects require, and what are the processing limits?
In daily presentations at our ELITECAD stand, we demonstrated how the process of turning a point cloud into a 3D model can go from being a hurdle to a real productivity booster. This led (once again) to many eye-opening moments. You can find further insights into this in the digital surveying section of the ELITECAD Architecture product page and also in the features of ELITECAD Architecture 17.
AI, planning efficiency and real-world applicability
In addition to working with existing data, another theme was ever-present: artificial intelligence (AI) as a driver of the industry. Whereas previously the focus was often on visions and theoretical use cases, the emphasis has now shifted to concrete applications that deliver real-world benefits. digitalBAU 2026 made it clear that digitisation, AI and automated processes have become an integral part of building modelling and play an increasingly crucial role in competitiveness. Today, solutions must not only be innovative but achieve a noticeable simplification of day-to-day work. An important subject, on which we will be sharing more details shortly 🔜
In addition to working with existing data, another theme was ever-present: artificial intelligence (AI) as a driver of the industry. Whereas previously the focus was often on visions and theoretical use cases, the emphasis has now shifted to concrete applications that deliver real-world benefits. digitalBAU 2026 made it clear that digitisation, AI and automated processes have become an integral part of building modelling and play an increasingly crucial role in competitiveness. Today, solutions must not only be innovative but achieve a noticeable simplification of day-to-day work. An important subject, on which we will be sharing more details shortly 🔜
Our conclusion: The industry wants solutions that provide flexibility
The discussions at this year’s digitalBAU have clearly confirmed that planners do not want additional barriers. They want tools that take the pressure off them. This is precisely where we have been focusing our efforts for a long time. With ELITECAD, we give you the freedom to carry out your planning efficiently, flexibly and without detours – from the initial draft to the digital (renovation) model in your BIM project.
We would like to thank everyone who visited us at the ELITECAD stand at digitalBAU 2026. Thank you very much for the open dialogue, the interesting insights and the trust you have placed in our solutions.
digitalBAU returns to Cologne in 2028 and we will, too! Until then, let’s have a look back in the following slideshow:
The discussions at this year’s digitalBAU have clearly confirmed that planners do not want additional barriers. They want tools that take the pressure off them. This is precisely where we have been focusing our efforts for a long time. With ELITECAD, we give you the freedom to carry out your planning efficiently, flexibly and without detours – from the initial draft to the digital (renovation) model in your BIM project.
We would like to thank everyone who visited us at the ELITECAD stand at digitalBAU 2026. Thank you very much for the open dialogue, the interesting insights and the trust you have placed in our solutions.
digitalBAU returns to Cologne in 2028 and we will, too! Until then, let’s have a look back in the following slideshow:
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