Proposals for Constructing a Congressional Hub - Giffey comments on the international competition challenging ICC in 2023
The forthcoming competition for revamping the long-idle ex-International Congress Center (ICC) at Berlin's Funkturm is slated for this year. This was disclosed by Economics Senator Franziska Giffey (SPD) on the RBB evening news. In her scheme, the reconstruction will give rise to a "Berlin Centre Pompidou."
The Centre Pompidou, inaugurated in Paris in 1977, serves as the artistic and cultural heart of the French capital. It incorporates, among other things, a modern art museum and a library.
Toxicological Review in the Offing
As per Giffey, the all-encompassing toxicological review of the ICC will be released soon. The feasibility study for the convention space and its adjacent area will also be made available shortly, in tandem with the Senate for urban development. "This serves as our foundation to launch the international competition in a bidding process this year," stated Giffey. "We will invite esteemed architects and investors globally to submit their proposals for an ICC concept."
The structure, which has enjoyed monumental protection since 2019, was previously one of the world's largest congress centers. It has seen limited usage in recent years. Giffey has been advocating for the preservation of the building. The black-red Senate endorsed an international competition in September 2023, estimating the total expenses at 1.6 million euros.
The revamped ICC, aiming to become the "Berlin Centre Pompidou," will be located at the Convention Centre. Once the feasibility study is released, interested architects and investors can submit their proposals for the ICC concept.