'Made in Germany' has become a world famous label in the field of architecture and technology. The brands FSB, Gira and Keuco and their communication initiative POINTS of Contact transfer the value of German design and products in an interdisciplinary way
Refurbishment is one of the key themes in German architecture at the moment. Architects are taking existing buildings and coming up with innovative ideas to give them new uses and interpretations. This approach gives projects a connection to site, while continuing their social relevance to a context. Yet the challenge remains for these kind of projects on how to maintain Germany's high climate and energy-saving standards alongside retaining existing structures, which can be a particularly problematic for modernisation schemes. The goal is to reduce energy consumption in an efficient but aesthetically pleasing way.
FSB, Gira and KEUCO are three German companies which have taken this agenda to the heart of their products. They provide refurbishment and modernisation schemes with functional and sustainable solutions to create added value – door and window fittings and modern access management solutions for digital building organization, switches and automation in buildings, including electrical installation systems and bathroom fittings, accessories and complete bathroom furnishing systems. Not only are the products manufactured in Germany (thereby minimising associated transportation), sustainability is developed and practised in all areas of production, with a strong sense of responsibility for future generations. This applies to saving resources just as much as to production and distribution of the products and to dealing with all employees and business partners. In recognition of the group's work, a large number of the companies’ products, which are long-lasting, able to be retrofitted or save water, have been granted international certificates for their environmental credentials and sustainability, including LEED, DGNB, Green Building or BREEAM. FSB, Gira and KEUCO offer products which are attractive, designed with highest aspirations and manufactured with precision.
Many exhibitions and panel discussions in the field of architecture promote the connection between existing and new buildings, low-energy-use and aesthetics, social and regional aspects at the moment. The biannual Venice Architecture Biennale as one of the biggest exchange platforms for contemporary architecture presents “Reporting from the front” this year under the direction of Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena, studio Elemental. Aravena aims to tell success stories and at the same time difficulties of improving the built-environment in general and the quality of life of people.
To meet the brands and their products, join them at this year's Venice Architecture Biennale. During the opening week (25 May to 1 June 2016) FSB, Gira and Keuco invite international architects to the POINTS of Contact Meeting Point at the Palazzo Contarini Polignac on the Grand Canal. The Meeting Point in Venice is likely the biggest event of its kind and happens for the third time this year. FSB, Gira and Keuco invite international architects to the POINTS of contact Meeting Point where a rich programme with a water taxi shuttle, evening lectures, catering and much more will be on offer. To attend registration is required at www.points-of-contact.com