Architecture Matters 2025—Less, but better.*
April 2–3, 2025
Friedenstrasse 24
81671 Munich
Germany
Architecture Matters 2025: Less, but better.*
April 2–3, 2025
House of Communication, Munich.
Opening: April 2, 2025, 6:30–11pm
Conference: (including Focus Session), 3 April 3, 2025, 9am–6pm
About simplicity across multiple dimensions—from planning and approval to construction and AI.
Today’s 20,000 building regulations reflect our increasingly complex society—adding new rules often feels easier than removing old ones. Can we reduce bureaucracy when numerous commissions continually adjust laws incrementally, setting standards to the lowest common denominator? Or can the current crisis serve as a catalyst for fundamental reforms? What does, in practical terms, for individuals take on more responsibility? What role will construction play for the next federal government? How can cities adapt regulations to move pilot projects into mainstream practice? What enables innovative individual architectural solutions to scale? What does sustainable, future-oriented construction mean for institutional investors—which standards matter most, and who defines them? Can AI ultimately simplify the regulatory landscape?
Architecture Matters 2025 brings together diverse perspectives and real-world examples: What does “Less, but better.” mean for cities, investors, developers, and architects?
With guests from architecture, the real estate development, finance, Contech startups, and politics, amongst others: Matthias Alexander, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; David Basulto, Founder ArchDaily; Kristiaan Borret, Bouwmeester Brussels; architect Gustav Düsing; Alessandro Gess, l’AUC; Patric Hellermann, Foundamental; Ulrich Höller, ABG Real Estate Group; Julia Löhr, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Regula Lüscher, Die Stadtmacherin (The City Maker); Elisabeth Merk, Planning Director City of Munich; Jürgen Michels, BayernLB; Brinda Somaya, Somaya Sampat; Andreas Rauch, Commerz Real; Jörn Walter, Chief Building Director, City of Hamburg (retired); Christoph Zapp, PAMERA Real Estate. Curated by Nadin Heinich.
Opening: with Brinda Somaya, Somaya Sampat, Mumbai
April 2, 2025, 6:30–11pm
India—the world’s most populous nation, the fastest-growing economy among the G20 nations, future market not only from a German perspective. What visions of the future drive the people in India? How much are social mobility, prosperity, and wealth tied to material possessions versus spiritual values? Are there limits to growth? What role do climate change and finite natural resources play? What are the implications of such rapid transformation? How is it all reflected in urban planning? Is Germany (or Europe) a model to follow? What role does “Less, but better”—understood as a focus on the essentials—play in a country as dynamic as India?
Focus Session: Less frontal, more interaction, and direct exchange
April 3, 2025, 3–4:30pm (part of the conference)
This year’s programme includes a mix of main stage presentations and discussion rounds, a networking lunch, and our Focus Sessions. Each session offers small group discussions to explore topics in-depth:
Radical Thinking: How can we achieve faster and more effective planning processes? Focus Finance: Where is capital flowing—and where are the smartest investments? How does future-oriented construction fit into the equation?
Focus AI: How do we unlock the potential of AI? New business models, tools and instruments for the construction industry. Munich Central Station Quarter—Goethestrasse (Invited Call for Concepts): How can we transform Goethestrasse into a new, welcoming space? We are seeking outstanding concepts for implementation from summer 2025! Female Focus: Networking for women in architecture and real estate
*Dieter Rams
About Architecture Matters
Architecture Matters is an international conference on the future of architecture and the city. Architecture Matters is rooted in the conviction that addressing the present challenges facing our cities and architecture requires a collaborative effort—fuelled by genuine interest in each other, mutual respect, and curiosity. We unite key players in architecture, project development, financing, politics, and administration, cultivating an environment that embraces contradictions. Trusting in our shared commitment to lively exchange and dynamic dialogue, we craft creative spaces for meaningful encounters.
Architecture Matters was launched by Nadin Heinich in 2016. The ninth edition will take place on April 2–3 2025 at House of Communication in Munich.
