For Kay Berges, Head of Key Account Management at Gira, collaboration with architects is much more than a pure business transaction: "Architects are the designers of the buildings of tomorrow. Maintaining a constant specialist dialogue with them is therefore of paramount importance to us. This is the only way for us as a manufacturer to offer input to architects – and of course accept their valuable ideas and suggestions in return."
As a result, Gira works on the establishment of a long-term partnership, from which both sides benefit equally. To achieve this, Gira regularly offers opportunities for creative exchange, especially for architects and planners. Networking, knowledge transfer, and mutual encouragement are at the forefront. These are features of Gira workshops such as the property event and information workshop in Oetztal, Tyrol. The events are a tried-and-tested platform for exchange, which combine leisure activities with product-neutral presentations and discussions: Alongside a mountain bike tour, tandem paragliding and a round of golf, accompanying seminars deal with current market topics and trends, and therefore impart important specialist knowledge for both sides. "Through the close, collaborative contact with architects, we are able to work on the creation of products and systems for building technology together, whilst further developing complex topics like the energy efficiency and future compatibility of buildings," explains Berges.
By participating in numerous industry initiatives, such as "plan A" and "Architektur im Wandel" (Architecture in Transition), Gira is also committed to the development and promotion of architecture in general. The company has also been involved in the BerührungsPUNKTE communication initiative for years. Under this name, the companies Gira, FSB and Keuco unite to offer architects an opportunity for exchange and discussions. This collaboration did not come about by chance: despite their different product ranges, all three companies have the use of sophisticated and durable materials in common – in addition to their clear design philosophy, affinity to architecture, and innovative strength. These are all aspects that are essential for sustainable, forward-looking construction – and what Gira specifically wants to promote.
With the initiative, Gira is also active on an international level, and has been supporting the Architecture Biennale in Venice since 2012 – one of the most renowned architecture events worldwide. For one week, the ground floor of the Palazzo Loredan dell'Ambasciatore, complete with its garden and private jetty, doubled as a BerührungsPUNKT meeting point in Venice to welcome architects predominantly from Germany. Over the course of the seven days, almost 1,000 visitors gathered at the BerührungsPUNKTE palazzo. Gira will offer the sector a fixed meeting point again in 2014.
