22.06.2026

Accelerating Rust Formation in Corten Steel: Materials, Details, and Practical Applications

Building design

A rusted metal surface with severe corrosion—a sign of decay in urban areas. Photo: citylop/Unsplash

Corten steel is one of the few outdoor materials that only reaches its final state through exposure to the elements. The characteristic reddish-brown oxide layer—known as patina—is not a defect but the intended result: it forms a dense, self-protective coating that shields the underlying metal from further corrosion. Those who wish to accelerate the rusting of Corten steel intervene in this natural process to achieve predictable results, minimize staining of adjacent materials, and activate the protective effect of the patina sooner. This requires in-depth knowledge of metallurgy, detailed planning, and application technology.

What Sets Corten Steel Apart Metallurgically and How the Patina Forms
Why the targeted acceleration of rust formation makes sense from both a planning and technical perspective
Which chemical and mechanical methods are used for acceleration
Which design details determine the success or failure of patina formation
How to prevent rust bleeding onto concrete, natural stone, and paving
Which standards, grade designations, and product specifications are relevant for Corten steel
How to maintain and monitor the patina during ongoing use
Where Corten steel should not be used outdoors and why

What Corten steel is: material, standard, and metallurgy

Corten steel is no longer a brand name but has become a generic term for weather-resistant structural steels that form a protective oxide layer through the addition of specific alloying elements. The standard designation is weather-resistant structural steel; the European product standard EN 10025-5 governs the grade groups S235J0W, S355J0W, and S355J2W, as well as other variants. The suffix “W” stands for “weathering.” In the terminology of landscape architecture and civil engineering, “Corten steel” has become established as a shorthand term, even though the original trade name “COR-TEN” originated with the US Steel Corporation.

The protective effect is based on alloying elements such as copper, chromium, nickel, and phosphorus, which are added to the steel in small quantities. These elements promote the formation of an amorphous, dense oxide layer that is fundamentally different from ordinary rust. Normal rust on unalloyed steel is porous, absorbs water, and continuously accelerates corrosion. The patina of weather-resistant steel, on the other hand, is compact, adheres firmly to the base material, and acts as a diffusion barrier against oxygen and water. This difference is at the heart of the material’s philosophy.

The formation of the patina requires that the material be regularly exposed to alternating cycles of wetting and drying. Conditions that are permanently wet or permanently dry prevent the formation of the stable protective layer. In very humid, poorly ventilated installation situations—such as in contact with the ground without drainage or in permanently shaded depressions—the patina cannot fully form, and the steel continues to corrode more than expected. This is a crucial design consideration that is often underestimated in practice.

Accelerating the rusting of Corten steel: Why and when it makes sense

Freshly delivered Corten steel initially exhibits a silvery-gray, mill-finished surface or an initial, still uneven layer of oxidation. Depending on the climate zone, exposure, and component geometry, the natural formation of the patina takes between one and several years. During this transitional phase, the material appears unfinished, and most importantly: it bleeds. The water-soluble iron oxides from the early rusting phase are washed away by rain and leave intense reddish-brown stains on adjacent materials—such as concrete pavers, natural stone, gravel, or wooden decks—that are nearly impossible to remove.

Accelerating the rusting of Corten steel therefore serves two primary purposes: the aesthetic goal of achieving a uniform, mature patina from the very first day of use, and the technical goal of shortening or shifting the phase of intense bleeding before the component is installed. Suppliers who deliver Corten steel planters, retaining walls, or facade elements with a pre-weathered surface avoid complaints and consequential damage to existing structures. For planners, this means that the issue of pretreatment should be addressed in the request for proposals and in the construction planning, not just during final inspection.

Another reason for deliberately accelerating the process lies in uniformity. Natural weathering produces a patina that depends on exposure, pollution, water flow, and geometry. Surfaces with varying slopes, shading, or water runoff develop a patina unevenly. Those seeking a homogeneous surface must either wait a long time and hope for favorable conditions, or accelerate the process in a controlled manner. For high-quality design projects—such as sculptural objects, bridge railings, or facade cladding—controlled pretreatment is the more professional choice.

Methods for Accelerating Patina Formation: Chemical, Mechanical, and Weathering

The most common methods can be divided into three groups: chemical treatment, mechanical surface pretreatment, and targeted exposure under controlled weathering conditions. In practice, these methods are often combined.

Chemical treatment uses acidic solutions that immediately trigger the oxidation process. Diluted hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, or special etching pastes for weather-resistant steels are applied to the cleaned steel surface, react with the iron, and produce an initial oxide layer within hours. The surface is then thoroughly rinsed with water to remove any acid residue that would otherwise destabilize the patina. Several treatment cycles, each with drying phases in between, gradually build up the layer. Commercial products designed to accelerate the rusting of Corten steel are available from specialty retailers; they typically contain phosphoric acid combined with iron salts and wetting agents and are formulated for DIY use.

Mechanical pretreatment aims to roughen the hot-rolled surface and thereby increase the reactive surface area. Blasting with corundum or steel grit, grinding, or brushing with steel brushes removes the mill scale and creates a uniform, micro-rough structure on which oxidation begins more quickly and evenly. It is important that no foreign steel is introduced into the surface during this process, because unalloyed steel, as a contaminant, disrupts patina formation locally and leads to staining. Tools and blasting media must therefore be used exclusively for weather-resistant steels and must not have come into contact with other steels.

The third method is controlled outdoor weathering prior to installation. In this process, the components are stored on the factory premises or in a suitable open area in such a way that they are exposed to intense weathering: freestanding, tilted for good water runoff, and uncovered. Regular spraying with water—ideally slightly salted water—further accelerates the process. This method is cost-effective but time-consuming and weather-dependent. It is well-suited for large batches of identical components that are manufactured with sufficient lead time.

Salt Solutions and Vinegar: Limitations of Home Remedies

Various sources recommend treating Corten steel with vinegar, salt water, or hydrogen peroxide. These agents do indeed cause rapid oxidation, but the resulting layer does not necessarily correspond to the stable patina of weather-resistant steel. Vinegar (acetic acid) can corrode the surface and create a loose, non-adherent oxide layer that will be washed away by the first rain. Saltwater accelerates corrosion but, if applied unevenly, can lead to pitting, especially along cut edges and weld seams. These methods are not recommended for professional outdoor applications. They may work for small objects in private settings, but they do not meet the requirements for uniformity, adhesion, and long-term stability that apply in a design context.

Detailed Design: Cut Edges, Weld Seams, Drainage, and Installation Conditions

The quality of the patina depends not only on the surface treatment but also significantly on the structural detail planning. Cut edges created by plasma cutting, laser cutting, or sawing exhibit a different microstructure than rolled surfaces and initially develop a patina unevenly. Edges that permanently retain water—such as hollow sections open at the top, horizontal surfaces without a slope, or pockets in the geometry—are critical points. Standing water prevents the necessary drying phases and promotes progressive pitting corrosion instead of a stable patina.

Welds are particularly sensitive. The heat-affected zone locally alters the steel’s microstructure, and welding consumables must be specifically matched to the base material. For weather-resistant steels in accordance with EN 10025-5, specific welding consumables are required that also possess weather-resistant properties. If standard welding consumables are used, areas form along the seams that do not develop a patina but continue to corrode. This results in visible, dark streaks along the welds and an increased risk of corrosion at these locations. Welds should be ground and descaled after joining to remove scale layers that hinder patina formation.

Drainage is a key design consideration. Corten steel components must be designed so that rainwater can drain away quickly and completely. A slope of at least two percent on horizontal surfaces, drip edges on lower edges, drainage openings in hollow sections, and sufficient clearances from adjacent materials are minimum design requirements. Contact with the ground is particularly critical: Corten steel that is permanently in contact with damp soil will continue to corrode unchecked because there are no drying phases. The lower edges of supports, posts, and wall elements must either be raised off the ground using concrete or stainless steel bases or protected in the ground area by a suitable coating. Many manufacturers recommend a bitumen coating or an epoxy primer for the area in contact with the ground, which bridges the transition to the patina zone.

Special care is required in the area of joints and connections to other materials. Corten steel must not come into direct contact with aluminum, zinc, or galvanized components, as the differing electrode potentials lead to galvanic corrosion. Separator layers made of plastic, rubber, or coated sheet metal are absolutely necessary in such connection situations. Contact with concrete is also critical, because the alkaline cement paste locally influences patina formation and causes discoloration on the concrete surface.

Preventing Bleeding: Protecting Adjacent Materials

The bleeding of iron oxides onto adjacent materials is the most common aesthetic problem when using Corten steel outdoors. Light-colored concrete surfaces, limestone, sandstone, gravel, and wooden decks are particularly affected. The reddish-brown discoloration is caused by water-soluble iron compounds that are leached out of the steel during the early rusting phase and penetrate the porous surfaces of adjacent materials. Once they have penetrated, these stains are nearly impossible to remove completely; oxalic acid or special rust removers can lighten the surface but rarely clean it completely.

Preventive measures begin at the design stage. Corten steel elements should be positioned so that runoff does not come into contact with sensitive materials. Gutters, gravel beds made of dark basalt or crushed stone, concrete elements with gray or dark aggregate, or spacers that direct water away are both design and technical means of controlling the bleeding zone. Anyone placing Corten steel planters on light-colored paving must either provide saucers or drainage channels, or consciously accept the discoloration as a design element.

Pre-weathered or chemically pre-treated components bleed significantly less than freshly delivered steel because the stable patina greatly reduces the amount of water-soluble oxides. This is another practical argument for accelerating the rusting process of Corten steel before installation: It protects not only the appearance of the component itself but also its surroundings. For projects with high standards for the cleanliness of adjacent materials—such as historic preservation, museum outdoor areas, or prominent city squares—pre-treatment is not an option but a requirement.

Maintenance, Inspection, and Long-Term Behavior of the Patina

A fully developed, stable patina on weather-resistant steel is largely maintenance-free. It regenerates itself in the event of mechanical damage, provided the weather conditions are right. Nevertheless, Corten steel used outdoors requires regular visual inspection, especially in the first few years after installation and at structurally critical points. Damage to the patina caused by mechanical impact, graffiti, or cleaning measures should be documented and, if necessary, repaired by re-treating the surface with suitable agents.

Graffiti on Corten steel is a particular problem because aggressive solvents can damage the patina. For cleaning, experts recommend mechanical methods such as low-pressure washing or brushing over chemical solvents. Anti-graffiti coatings are only suitable for Corten steel to a limited extent because they hinder patina formation and alter its appearance. In areas at risk of vandalism, the choice of material should be reconsidered.

Over the long term—spanning decades—the patina continues to change. It becomes darker, denser, and finer in texture. In urban environments with air pollution, the patina may develop more quickly but can also become more uneven. Near the coast, where chlorides are present in the air, weather-resistant steel is only suitable to a limited extent: chlorides destabilize the patina and can lead to pitting corrosion. The relevant standards and technical information from steel institutes specify threshold values for chloride exposure beyond which its use is no longer recommended. Corten steel is generally unsuitable for coastal areas and chloride-contaminated industrial sites.

Corten Steel in the Context of Open-Space Planning: Potential and Limitations

Corten steel has established itself as a distinct material language in landscape architecture and civil engineering. Its strengths lie in its robustness, low-maintenance nature once a full patina has formed, the expressive power of its dynamic surface, and its ability to blend into natural environments composed of STEIN, wood, and vegetation. Planters, retaining walls, bridge railings, fence elements, sculptures, path edging, and facade cladding are typical applications.

Its limitations arise where the conditions for stable patina formation are not met: in permanently damp or permanently dry installation environments, in chloride-contaminated environments, in direct contact with soil without protective measures, and in areas where efflorescence cannot be tolerated on sensitive materials. Those who wish to accelerate the rusting of Corten steel to shorten this transition phase are making a wise design decision, but this does not solve all structural problems. Detailed planning remains crucial.

A professional approach to weathering steel requires that planners be familiar with the material properties, the relevant standards, and the technical requirements. Accelerating the rusting of Corten steel is not a trick, but rather part of quality management for a demanding material. Those who consciously integrate this step into their planning—who consider cut edges, weld seams, drainage, and connection materials from the very beginning, and who know and respect the material’s limitations—will end up with a building material that becomes more beautiful over time and asserts its place in the outdoor environment with dignity.

18.01.2026

Resilience and sustainability

Permaculture as a Principle for Urban Open Space Planning

Building design

concrete-house-on-calm-water-on-the-day-HsNLzllzW58 — Modern, sustainable concrete house on a still body of water in Switzerland, photographed by Aswathy N

Permaculture in urban planning? To many, that sounds like a self-sufficient idyll or a romanticized vision of the wilderness. But behind the term lies a highly relevant, systemic principle that has long since found its way into urban open-space planning—and has the potential to make cities more sustainable, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive. It’s high time to take permaculture seriously as a toolkit and conceptual framework for the city of tomorrow.

Definition and Origins of Permaculture—More Than Just Gardening for Advanced Practitioners
Permaculture Principles and Their Applicability to Urban Open-Space Planning
Practical examples from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: From community gardens to urban sponge areas
Systemic Thinking: How Permaculture Creates Synergies Between Ecology, Society, and Urban Development
Planning tools, participation, and governance—what professionals need to know
Challenges and Limitations in Integrating Permaculture into Municipal Planning Practice
How Permaculture Can Help Make Cities Climate-Resilient and Livable
Innovative Approaches to Land Management, Biodiversity, and Social Participation
Conclusion: Permaculture as a Source of Inspiration for a New Generation of Urban Planners and Landscape Architects

What Is Permaculture? From Agriculture to Urban System Innovation

The term “permaculture” is a portmanteau derived from the English phrases “permanent agriculture” and “permanent culture.” Originally developed in the 1970s by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in Australia, the focus was on creating permanently functional and sustainable agricultural systems. But it soon became clear that the principles of permaculture could be applied far beyond the farm—to gardens, neighborhoods, cities, and even entire societies.

Permaculture is based on the recognition that natural ecosystems are highly complex, resilient, and efficient because they rely on diversity, circular thinking, and cooperation. Instead of working against nature, human settlements and open spaces should be designed to work in harmony with natural processes. The goal: to create living spaces that conserve resources, prevent waste, save energy, and promote social cohesion.

In practice, this means much more than just a few raised beds or wildflower meadows. Permaculture is a methodological toolkit that encompasses design principles such as “Observe and interact,” “Use edges,” and “Design from patterns to details.” These principles are remarkably universal—and can be applied to open-space planning, urban development, and landscape architecture.

More and more cities around the world are discovering permaculture as a source of innovation. In New York and San Francisco, public parks are being created based on permaculture concepts; in Copenhagen and Zurich, entire neighborhoods are being developed using permaculture designs. But interest is also growing rapidly in German-speaking countries, and the first pilot projects show that permaculture and the city are not a contradiction, but rather a productive alliance.

Perhaps the most important difference from traditional planning is that permaculture does not think in terms of individual measures, but rather in terms of relationships, interactions, and processes. It asks: How can a space store water, promote biodiversity, facilitate social interaction, and at the same time be climate-resilient? This makes permaculture a systemic innovation strategy that playfully transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries.

For professionals in urban and open-space planning, this means that those who understand the principles of permaculture expand their methodological repertoire and can design urban spaces that are resilient, multifunctional, and sustainable. It is therefore worth taking a closer look at how permaculture works in practice in the city—and what opportunities and challenges this presents.

Permaculture Principles for Urban Open Space Planning—Systems Thinking Meets Urban Space

Applying permaculture principles to the city is anything but trivial—but it’s also anything but impossible. The first step is to understand the essential design principles and adapt them to the urban context. Permaculture traditionally operates on a set of fundamental principles, such as observation, circular economy, multifunctionality, the use of synergies, and the principle that “every part serves multiple functions.”

In the context of urban open spaces, this means, for example, that a rainwater garden can not only retain water and promote evaporation but also serve as a place to gather, a learning space, and a habitat for insects. A green strip is not merely seen as a divider between traffic areas, but as a productive edge zone that promotes biodiversity, produces food, and facilitates social interaction. Multifunctionality is the magic word here—and a clear counterpoint to traditional, monofunctional land-use zoning.

Another key principle is thinking in terms of cycles. Instead of consuming resources linearly and producing waste, permaculture focuses on closing material cycles. In urban practice, this means: on-site composting of organic waste, rainwater harvesting in parks, the integration of urban vegetable gardening, and the use of “waste” such as leaves, pruning clippings, or graywater as a resource. Urban open-space planning can thus become not only more sustainable but also significantly more efficient.

Creating synergies between different systems is another central concern. For example, an urban community garden can be designed not only to produce vegetables but also to serve as a learning space for schools, promote social integration, and increase biodiversity in the neighborhood. This is where the strength of permaculture thinking lies: space is designed not as the sum of individual functions, but as a network of complementary relationships.

Finally, permaculture relies on participatory processes. The involvement of the urban community is not a decorative afterthought but an integral part of the planning process. Users become co-creators, local knowledge is incorporated into the design, and responsibility is shared. For planners, this means that participation is not merely relegated to the “participation table,” but is part of the entire planning process—from analysis and design through to maintenance and further development.

The challenge lies in applying these principles within the context of existing planning routines, regulations, and administrative structures. This requires a pioneering spirit, creativity, and sometimes even a dash of civil disobedience. Yet the experiences of recent years show that where permaculture succeeds in the city, it creates not only a new quality in public spaces but also in social interaction.

Practical Examples: Permaculture in German, Austrian, and Swiss Cities

The theory sounds convincing—but what does permaculture in the city actually look like? A look at selected projects in German-speaking countries shows just how diverse the approaches are and what innovations become possible when permaculture principles are specifically integrated into open-space planning.

One flagship project is the “Prinzessinnengarten” in Berlin. On a former brownfield site, an urban garden was developed here in cooperation with residents, initiatives, and planners—a space that not only produces vegetables but also serves as an educational, social, and cultural hub. Composting, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity, and social integration are its cornerstones—and make the site an exemplary testing ground for permaculture in the big city.

In Vienna, too, permaculture-inspired open spaces are increasingly emerging. For example, a public park was developed in the Sonnwendviertel neighborhood based on the principles of the circular economy and biodiversity. Rainwater is collected and used for irrigation; there are community garden beds, insect-friendly plantings, and thoughtfully designed border areas. Maintenance is partly carried out by cooperating neighborhood initiatives, thereby strengthening social participation and responsibility.

In Basel, Switzerland, the “Urban Agriculture Basel” project focuses on integrating permaculture principles into neighborhood management. Here, rooftops, courtyards, and open spaces are systematically designed as productive, multifunctional areas. The goal: to develop food sovereignty, climate adaptation, and social innovation hand in hand. Particularly exciting is the close collaboration with local stakeholders and the integration of urban development, education, and open-space design.

In medium-sized German cities such as Göttingen and Freiburg, more and more “edible cities” are emerging. Here, urban green spaces are systematically enriched with edible plants that citizens are allowed to harvest. The land-use management strategy is based on permaculture principles: utilizing peripheral areas, promoting diversity, and linking ecological, social, and cultural goals. Even traditional parks and recreation departments are increasingly discovering the potential of permaculture interventions, such as “sponge city” elements, species-rich wildflower meadows, or multifunctional rainwater gardens.

These examples show that permaculture is not a niche phenomenon for alternative gardening groups, but rather an innovation strategy that has taken center stage in urban development. It is crucial that these projects be integrated into overall planning not just as isolated initiatives, but as systemic building blocks. Where permaculture becomes a planning principle, resilient, vibrant, and socially just urban spaces emerge that go far beyond ecological benefits.

Strategies, Tools, and Governance: Permaculture in Planning Practice

Integrating permaculture into urban open-space planning requires new planning strategies, tools, and governance models. First and foremost, a fundamental understanding of systems thinking is needed. Traditional instruments such as land-use plans or zoning plans reach their limits when the goal is to create multifunctional, adaptive, and participatory spaces. This calls for flexible planning tools that are oriented toward dynamic processes—such as adaptive master plans, cooperative maintenance agreements, or temporary land-use models.

A key tool is participatory analysis and planning. Methods such as mapping, future workshops, or co-creative design processes help to identify local knowledge and needs. Permaculture design processes often rely on intensive observation and site analysis to identify and strategically harness a location’s potential. Digital tools such as GIS can help visualize spatial synergies and model interactions between land use, the water cycle, and biodiversity.

Governance plays a key role. Traditional top-down management quickly reaches its limits in permaculture projects. Instead, cooperative models are needed in which government, civil society, and local stakeholders share responsibility. Contracting models, public sponsorships, or cooperatives can help ensure the long-term maintenance and further development of permaculture spaces. Transparency is crucial here: Who makes the decisions, who benefits, and who bears responsibility?

Integrating permaculture approaches into existing planning and funding structures remains a challenge. Many funding programs are tailored to traditional green spaces or “investment measures”; securing funding for participatory processes, maintenance, or educational work is often difficult. This calls for a shift in political thinking and new funding instruments that recognize and support the long-term social and ecological benefits of permaculture projects.

Finally, permaculture also presents a communication challenge. Its principles are complex and often require explanation. Professional public relations, transparent communication, and educational programs are therefore essential for gaining acceptance among administrative bodies, policymakers, and the urban community. Anyone who wants to successfully establish permaculture in the city must be persuasive not only in technical terms but also in terms of communication and politics.

For planners, landscape architects, and urban developers, permaculture offers a rich treasure trove of methods—but also the challenge of questioning routines and daring to try something new. The reward: open spaces that set new standards not only ecologically but also socially and culturally.

Perspectives: Opportunities and Limits of Permaculture in the City of Tomorrow

Permaculture is not a panacea, but it is a powerful tool for 21st-century urban development. Its greatest strength lies in its systemic approach: rather than promoting isolated projects, it integrates ecology, economy, and social aspects into a holistic development model. In this way, cities can become not only more climate-resilient, but also more livable, equitable, and innovative.

The opportunities are enormous: Permaculture can help reduce urban heat islands, increase biodiversity, strengthen local food sovereignty, and promote social participation. Cities become more resilient to extreme weather, resources are used more efficiently, and new spaces for education, social interaction, and innovation emerge. Last but not least, permaculture can help optimize land management and design open spaces to be multifunctional.

But there are also limitations. Not every area is suitable for permaculture; conflicts with other land-use demands—such as transportation or housing development—are inevitable. Integrating permaculture into existing legal and planning structures requires patience, creativity, and often political support. Furthermore, there is a risk that permaculture will be misused as a “fig leaf” for greenwashing rather than actually driving systemic change.

The greatest challenge remains the cultural shift in planning and administration. Permaculture demands a new understanding of roles: planners become facilitators, administrative bodies become enablers, and citizens become co-creators. This is unfamiliar, but it also presents an enormous opportunity for innovation and social cohesion. Those who embrace this change will be rewarded with resilient, vibrant, and sustainable cities.

The future of permaculture in the city depends on whether we succeed in permanently integrating its principles into planning and decision-making structures. This requires courage, openness, and a willingness to experiment—but also clear political frameworks and innovative funding models. Permaculture is not an end in itself, but a tool for transforming the city in the Anthropocene. Those who start today can make a difference tomorrow.

The next generation of urban planners and landscape architects faces the challenge of viewing permaculture not as a niche but as an integral part of urban development. The tools and knowledge are there—it’s up to us to use them.

Summary:
Permaculture as a principle for urban open-space planning offers a fascinating, systemic response to many of today’s challenges: climate adaptation, biodiversity, social participation, and sustainable resource use. The principles of permaculture can be successfully applied to urban spaces, as numerous projects in German-speaking countries demonstrate. However, integration into planning processes, governance models, and urban society is crucial—this is where the true innovative power lies. Those who seriously engage with permaculture open up new paths toward a resilient, vibrant, and equitable city. The future of urban open spaces is multifunctional, participatory—and perhaps a little bit permacultural.

17.11.2024

Fairs

Uzin Utz presents its BIM construction database at Digitalbau

Building design

Trade fair

With the floor planning plug-in for ArchiCAD and Revit, planners can integrate the construction chemicals supplier’s systems into their digital processes. Uzin Utz provided information about its BIM application in floor planning at the newly created Digitalbau trade fair in Cologne from February 11 to 13, 2020. At the joint stand with Heinze, visitors were able to test the plug-in with ArchiCAD and Revit. BIM […]

With the floor planning plug-in for ArchiCAD and Revit, planners can integrate the construction chemicals supplier’s systems into their digital processes.

Uzin Utz provided information about its BIM application in floor planning at the newly created Digitalbau trade fair in Cologne from February 11 to 13, 2020. At the joint stand with Heinze, visitors were able to test the plug-in with ArchiCAD and Revit.

Users can use it to select the desired system components via a material query and upload them on a project-specific basis. Concrete ceilings, screed constructions for different loads, tile constructions etc. – around 3,000 parts in total – are output via structured online queries. With the help of the plug-in, all components can be updated automatically and collectively. “BIM will continue to gain in importance due to its benefits such as cost and execution security – for building owners, investors, architects and planners, the building materials industry, the building materials trade, construction companies and specialist tradespeople,” said Philipp Utz on the company’s digitalization strategy.