As part of Munich Creative Business Week 2026 and the polis Convention in Düsseldorf, WOD Germany is sending a strong signal in favour of interdisciplinary exchange on sustainable design through two Panel Talks. Initiated by Bernadette Trepte, Lisa Bräutigam and Susanne Brandherm, co-founder of brandherm + krumrey interior architecture (bki), the events will focus on key questions in architectural and interior design practice: How can existing buildings be transformed into a real future? What responsibility does the choice of materials bear at a time when resource scarcity, climate change and social factors are increasingly shaping planning processes?

Through these talks, WOD Germany is creating a platform for experts in architecture, interior architecture, project development and product design. The aim is to identify current challenges and highlight concrete prospects for a sustainable design culture.

Following the talks, WOD Germany invites guests to enjoy drinks, finger food and networking. The event partners are Kvadrat and Klöber.

Material Matters – Focus on responsible material selection

The first talk, which will take place as part of the Munich Creative Business Week on 4th May 2026, will focus on the choice of materials as a key driver of sustainable design; aesthetically, ecologically and socially. What does responsible material selection actually mean in practice? What criteria are crucial, and how can sustainability, functionality and design be balanced?

Under the title “Material Matters”, WOD Germany brings together perspectives from product design, engineering and planning, highlighting current challenges as well as potential solutions. The talk will be moderated by Johanna Pimenta, editor-in-chief of md. Jan Fischer and Réka Visnyei will provide insights in short keynote speeches before joining Ana Relvão (co-founder and industrial designer, RELVĀOKELLERMANN) in a panel discussion to explore the topic in greater depth.