Recap: Four Days at the Leipzig Book Fair
From 19 to 22 March 2026, the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar could be found at their stand in Hall 5 of the Leipzig Book Fair. The University brought their experimental exhibition concept exploring typography, space, structure, materials, light, and scenography to life on a 60 square metre space. The »RESONANCE.PATTERN« exhibition stand was created as part of an interdisciplinary Bauhaus.Module led by Prof. Michael Herrmann and Torsten Müller from the Professorship of Construction Design and Structural Design.
The structure with its floating roof formed the foundation of the University’s exhibition stand this year and found itself in excellent company next to the »schönsten Büchern der Welt« (most beautiful books in the world), attracting a steady stream of visitors throughout the Fair. This year’s event saw a record turnout with nearly 300,000 visitors. The audience? A combination of prospective students, book lovers, art enthusiasts, and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar alumni.
For four days, visitors to the Book Fair booth were able to view and, in some cases, purchase artistic and academic publications from the University’s faculties and the student-run non-profit LUCIA publishing house. The booth also offered activities such as the »Illumnus«, an interactive installation from the Computer Science of Media Department, which allowed guests to slip into different roles using their smartphones and encouraged collaborative storytelling with the help of AI.
A VR simulation from the Umweltingenierwissenschaften (Environmental Engineering) Department could also be used to transport guests to a jute factory in Bangladesh. This inspired conversations on material cycles and sustainable textiles, just one of the topics that the »Scip Plastics« research project has been investigating. The most recent publication by the »Bauhaus Energy Hub« was also displayed at the stand and illustrated how design, sustainable construction, innovative energy concepts, and resource-friendly materials can be combined in practical ways. Bauhaus.Botschafter*innen and student advising representatives were also on hand to answer questions and engage in conversation with interested visitors.
For around three months, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar students, guided by Prof. Herrmann and Torsten Müller from the Professorship of Construction Design and Structural Design, worked on an innovative and sustainable wood structure intended to serve as a meeting space at the Leipzig Book Fair. For the first time, the wood components were made using the water jet cutter at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism to create a lightweight frame with virtually no material waste Stacked on top of one another, the frames were packed into a van and covered in fabric. Then, over the course of three days, they were assembled Bauhaus-Universität Weimar students at the Book Fair. The construction could then be fully dismantled after the Book Fair and is planned to be used at future University events.
Many thanks to all those involved and to the visitors to the Fair!