The exterior of the new Frankfurt Forum is notable for its elliptical form, while the interior is outfitted with a technologically advanced ventilation system that provides optimal thermal comfort. This state of the art temperature-controlled air blast system works as follows: Specially designed diffusion grills, steplessly controlled by patented temperature sensors, automatically (i.e. with no external power source) modify the angle of air outflow from a vertical (thermic) to a horizontal (cooling) position. This allows air conditioning, heating and ventilation to be tailored to crowd density and other parameters of a given event, thereby achieving an optimal indoor environment. This “smart” intake air system also helps keep energy costs down. The system’s patented diffusion grills, which were developed by Trox Hesco of Switzerland, have already demonstrated their outstanding performance characteristics in manufacturing plants and flexible-use buildings. Approximately 200 grills were installed in the Frankfurt Forum. The high-quality 15- and 19 mm-wide vents used in the Forum’s offices and conference rooms provide optimal air diffusion. The components of the system were manufactured by MAB Gebäudetechnik GmbH and ABB Gebäudetechnik AG. The Forum is the Frankfurt convention center’s third building. In addition to two 2,000 square meter halls, each of which contains ten conference rooms and offices, the Forum also has flexible gastronomical areas that can be used for virtually any type of event. The €35 million Forum was designed by the architecture firm of KSP - Engel Kraemer Schmiedecke Zimmermann.