New spotlight at Light + Building: IALD International Lighting Design Awards 2026

Outstanding lighting design combines aesthetics with technical precision, creates atmosphere, stages architecture – and provides inspiration for shaping the built environment. These are precisely the qualities represented by the IALD International Lighting Design Awards. In 2026, this prestigious accolade will be presented for the first time at Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main. This gives lighting design a new spotlight at the trade fair.

Light + Building, the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology, is the international meeting place for lighting designers, architects, planners and decision-makers who are actively shaping the future of lighting. With the IALD Awards being presented for the first time in March 2026, the creative dimension of light moves even more into focus at this international industry event.

The IALD International Lighting Design Awards are among the world’s most prestigious accolades in the field of architectural lighting design. Presented by the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), they honour projects that stand out for their design excellence, technical precision and atmospheric impact. As the international counterpart to the German Lighting Design Award, they set standards and showcase visionary lighting solutions. The 43rd edition will be held in March 2026 in cooperation with the IALD as part of Light + Building.

“Light + Building is the central platform for lighting design in a global context – an inspiring place where creative ideas, technical innovations and visionary concepts come together. With the IALD International Lighting Design Awards being presented in Frankfurt for the first time, the trade fair gains a new dimension of visibility and becomes even more attractive for the international lighting design community,” said Steffen Larbig, Director Brand Management Light + Building.

Light – a key focus of Light + Building

Light in all its facets is at the heart of Light + Building: manufacturers from around the world present pioneering lighting concepts for interior and exterior spaces – from smart, minimalist solutions to surprising lighting effects. The international platform for lighting and building services technology makes modern lighting design tangible in all its diversity – visually, technically and atmospherically.

High-quality events complement the exhibitors’ offerings: lectures, presentations and talks at the Design Plaza provide in-depth insights into current trends, topics and projects. Guided tours offer orientation and fresh perspectives.

IALD – Partner for outstanding lighting design

The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) is a globally leading organisation for professional lighting designers. For over 50 years, it has been committed to the promotion and recognition of outstanding lighting design. The IALD International Lighting Design Awards have been presented since 1983 and represent the highest quality in architectural lighting.

The 42nd IALD International Lighting Design Awards will be held on 7 May 2025 at Lightfair Las Vegas. Lightfair is part of the global Light + Building network, which encompasses a total of 14 trade fairs across five continents, providing companies with global access to the most important growth markets for lighting and building services technology.

The next edition of Light + Building will take place from 8^th – 13^th March 2026 in Frankfurt am Main. It brings together leading manufacturers with planners, architects, designers and investors, and offers a unique platform for exchanging ideas on the latest developments in lighting, electrical engineering, building automation and security technology.

Image courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Petra Welzel.