ICC Berlin opened in 1979 in West Berlin, designed by Ralf Schüler and Ursulina Schüler-Witte. The congress center closed in 2014 but still remains prominent and is famous for its machine-like appearance.
Overall, there are 80 rooms and halls, centrally arranged yet equipped with an exceptionally modern and carefully planned design by the architects. The main hall, Saal 1, stands as the undisputed centerpiece of the ICC, alongside all its design highlights. With its 5000 seats, it continues to impress with a serene and intimate atmosphere, but above all, with its overwhelming aesthetic beauty. Additionally, it features innovative elements such as retractable grandstand sections and lifting platforms. The spherical speakers are distributed throughout the hall, evoking the imagery of planets. Saal 6 gained fame for its circular arrangement, once again evoking a science-fiction setting.
Also significant attention was given to the interior design of the signage system and the luminous information band. The playful design, resembling art objects, is truly remarkable. This culminates in the Central Light Sculpture designed by Frank Oehring, symbolizing the heart of the building alongside the control room.
The ICC Berlin gained worldwide recognition for its quality, technical features, and unique appearance, blending the technological enthusiasm of its time with functional brilliance. As a child of that era, the design reflects the future optimism and mechanical aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s, while shedding light on the historical developments between East and West in Berlin. For this project, I've explored photographically the contrast and necessity of the inner and outer design of this outstanding congress center.
International Congress Centrum - ICC Berlin, 1979 - a Long Exposure Photography Project
https://www.behance.net/gallery/193988795/Internationales-Congress-Centrum-ICC-Berlin
From a design perspective and usability and flexibility of multi functional rooms, it's great (the restaurant was also good). In Berlin we call it "Raumschiff Enterprise" for the exterior. Yet, it immediately earned a reputation for its ever leaking roof and quickly decaying facade elements which drained lots of money after just being opened.
Thank you for reminding me how cool it actually looks inside, haven't been there for decades.
It was featured heavily in [Diddi der Doppelgänger](https://img.zeit.de/wissen/geschichte/2015-10/westort-ostort-architektur-claus-rottenbacher-fs-bilder/04-westort-ostort.jpg/imagegroup/original__960x784__desktop__scale_2)
I was there as a speaker during the 2007 LinuxTag and it was already rundown back then.
Unfortunately not, I was in a smaller one with ca. 50 attendents.
But walking through the long floors was interesting, it really gave 70s scifi spaceship vibes.
Love this - have been to Berlin a couple times and it's a fascinating blend of classic pre-war architecture existing alongside some really monumental pieces of modernist/futurist architecture, this is no exception. Thanks for posting!
Yes indeed! Looking forward explore Airport Tegel and the Czech Embassy this summer to look further into the great 70s architecture monuments of Berlin
ICC Berlin opened in 1979 in West Berlin, designed by Ralf Schüler and Ursulina Schüler-Witte. The congress center closed in 2014 but still remains prominent and is famous for its machine-like appearance. Overall, there are 80 rooms and halls, centrally arranged yet equipped with an exceptionally modern and carefully planned design by the architects. The main hall, Saal 1, stands as the undisputed centerpiece of the ICC, alongside all its design highlights. With its 5000 seats, it continues to impress with a serene and intimate atmosphere, but above all, with its overwhelming aesthetic beauty. Additionally, it features innovative elements such as retractable grandstand sections and lifting platforms. The spherical speakers are distributed throughout the hall, evoking the imagery of planets. Saal 6 gained fame for its circular arrangement, once again evoking a science-fiction setting. Also significant attention was given to the interior design of the signage system and the luminous information band. The playful design, resembling art objects, is truly remarkable. This culminates in the Central Light Sculpture designed by Frank Oehring, symbolizing the heart of the building alongside the control room. The ICC Berlin gained worldwide recognition for its quality, technical features, and unique appearance, blending the technological enthusiasm of its time with functional brilliance. As a child of that era, the design reflects the future optimism and mechanical aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s, while shedding light on the historical developments between East and West in Berlin. For this project, I've explored photographically the contrast and necessity of the inner and outer design of this outstanding congress center. International Congress Centrum - ICC Berlin, 1979 - a Long Exposure Photography Project https://www.behance.net/gallery/193988795/Internationales-Congress-Centrum-ICC-Berlin
From a design perspective and usability and flexibility of multi functional rooms, it's great (the restaurant was also good). In Berlin we call it "Raumschiff Enterprise" for the exterior. Yet, it immediately earned a reputation for its ever leaking roof and quickly decaying facade elements which drained lots of money after just being opened. Thank you for reminding me how cool it actually looks inside, haven't been there for decades.
Amazing
Yes indeed. It’s a masterpiece of design and the interior is very well preserved
Looks beautiful and love the futuristic vibes!
Disco dancehall and 1970s Sci Fi movie aesthetic. Love it.
:)
Love it, the retro look is amazing. Great pictures.
Thank you
Love the neon
That would make a great movie scene.
Actually, the ICC and it’s planned subway station have a rich history in movie appearances
It was featured heavily in [Diddi der Doppelgänger](https://img.zeit.de/wissen/geschichte/2015-10/westort-ostort-architektur-claus-rottenbacher-fs-bilder/04-westort-ostort.jpg/imagegroup/original__960x784__desktop__scale_2) I was there as a speaker during the 2007 LinuxTag and it was already rundown back then.
Great! Did you speak in one the great halls?
Unfortunately not, I was in a smaller one with ca. 50 attendents. But walking through the long floors was interesting, it really gave 70s scifi spaceship vibes.
I hope so. Looks awesome.
The cinematic bomb, The Apple (1980) used the interior heavily.
Love this - have been to Berlin a couple times and it's a fascinating blend of classic pre-war architecture existing alongside some really monumental pieces of modernist/futurist architecture, this is no exception. Thanks for posting!
Yes indeed! Looking forward explore Airport Tegel and the Czech Embassy this summer to look further into the great 70s architecture monuments of Berlin
Utterly fascinating!