AUFBAU ON THE RISE: CONFERENCES IN MUNICH AND LEONBERG A COMPLETE SUCCESS

Werth, June 2017 There are virtually no limits to the design possibilities of modern architecture today. Whether it's shape, appearance, size or choice of materials, architects have enormous scope when developing buildings for any purpose. At the same time, they constantly have to fulfil new standards and requirements, which increases the complexity of their task. The interest of architects in the AUFBAU conferences organised by Novoferm, one of Europe's leading system suppliers of doors, gates, frames and operators, is correspondingly high. Novoferm organised two training events for architects in May, at which experts answered fundamental and practical questions on everything from fire protection and accessibility to design options and construction logistics. Novoferm takes the consistently positive response to the fully booked specialist conferences on 11 May in Leonberg and 30 May in Munich as a mandate to consistently continue the series of events.

The aim of the creative dialogue between architects and clients is to translate the client's expectations into aesthetically convincing solutions. The scope for design is determined by individual conditions such as building function and size, available resources or the client's specific requirements. Irrespective of this, every building must fulfil applicable standards, particularly those relating to safety.

The integration of these standards into aesthetically and functionally coherent overall concepts is the main theme of the AUFBAU specialist conferences that Novoferm has developed for architects and planners in 2016. As speakers and discussion partners, Novoferm presents architects with its own experts on the subject of fire protection and the state of the art in technology and design for multifunctional doors, as well as external experts from the world of architecture and from specialised partner companies. Following the great success of the kick-off event at the Novoferm Showroom & Training Center in Dortmund last autumn, Novoferm ventured into "foreign territory" this year: the seminar in Leonberg was held at and with a partner company. In Munich, Novoferm had invited guests to the AIT-ArchitekturSalon, where they were able to view the exhibition "CRAB - Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham ...and its Archigram Antecedents" during the breaks.

In Leonberg, as in Munich, the architects who travelled to the event were given an overview of the legal and formal framework conditions for planning-relevant functions such as fire protection and accessibility. In addition, practical challenges during implementation were considered and it was discussed how possible hurdles can be overcome through coordination and cooperation.

The speakers consistently focussed on solution-oriented approaches. In addition to the safety-relevant qualities of innovative products, current design options were also presented. The conference participants also intensively discussed the question of how the planning and installation of doors with increasingly complex requirements can be efficiently integrated into operational processes.

Due to the consistently positive response, Novoferm has decided to continue the AUFBAU series of events. AUFBAU 04 is planned for next October in Dortmund; further dates and information will be announced on the Novoferm architects' portal and posted on the event website www.novoferm.de/aufbau.