The Hospitality Newsletter
Today
Original operations The Hospitality Newsletter Team · ·For: Owner, GM, Investor

Hospitality Design Trends: Berlin ICC Revamp, BDNY 2026

Berlin redevelops the historic ICC as BDNY announces its 2026 Power Players breakfast and modular pods find new hospitality uses.

The short answer

Nine architecture firms will lead the 2.5-year redevelopment of Berlin's historic ICC into a cultural hub. Meanwhile, BDNY prepares its 2026 Power Players breakfast and Camp Wandawega adapts modular office pods for guest lodging.

7,000
guest capacity across two main ICC auditoriums
original 1979 design specification
2.5
years allocated for ICC redevelopment efforts
multi-firm project scope
18
pieces in Tan France Castlery collection
furniture, lighting, and home accessories
Hospitality Design Trends: Berlin ICC Revamp, BDNY 2026
Photo: Travel with Lenses / Pexels

The short version

  • Nine architecture and engineering firms are directing a 2.5-year overhaul of Berlin's Internationales Congress Centrum.
  • BDNY 2026 will host its Women Leaders in Hospitality Breakfast on November 9 at the Javits Center's River Pavilion.
  • Camp Wandawega adapted two commercial glass office pods into mobile, weather-resistant cabins on its 25-acre property.

Hospitality design developments this season center on Berlin's Internationales Congress Centrum redevelopment by nine firms, the return of the BDNY Power Players breakfast, and adaptive reuse projects converting modular office structures into boutique lodging accommodations. [1]

What are the redevelopment plans for Berlin's Internationales Congress Centrum?

Nine architecture and engineering firms will spearhead the redevelopment of West Berlin's Internationales Congress Centrum (ICC) over the next two and a half years, according to Hospitality Design. [1] Originally designed by Ralf Schüler and Ursulina Schüler-Witte and completed in 1979, the landmark complex was conceived as a conference venue housing two large auditoriums that accommodate up to 7,000 guests, along with nearly 80 smaller spaces, a restaurant, and a roof garden. [1]

Although the futuristic structure received a historical monument designation in 2019, it remained largely unused until a citywide initiative emerged to transform the complex into a 24-hour cultural hub. [1] The winning design proposals introduce enhanced greenery, new exhibition spaces, and a multifunctional library to reactivate the historic asset. [1]

convention center exhibition hall auditorium
Photo: MINEIA MARTINS / Pexels
Property / EventLocationTimeline / CapacityPrimary Function
Internationales Congress Centrum (ICC)Berlin, Germany2.5-year redevelopment; up to 7,000 guests24-hour cultural hub, exhibitions, library [1]
Camp WandawegaWisconsin, USA25-acre campsiteGlamping cabins repurposed from office pods [1]
BDNY 2026 Power Players BreakfastNew York, USA (Javits Center)November 9, 2026Hospitality leadership panel and networking [1]
Tan France x Castlery CollectionGlobal retail18-piece lineHospitality-adjacent furniture and lighting [1]

When is the BDNY 2026 Power Players Breakfast taking place?

The BDNY Power Players: Women Leaders in Hospitality Breakfast takes place on November 9, 2026, at the Javits Center's River Pavilion in New York City. [1] Hospitality Design reported that the signature event is presented in partnership with NEWH. [1] The panel convenes female leaders across hospitality design, operations, investment, and manufacturing to address major topics influencing the commercial lodging sector. [1]

glass cabin structure in forest clearing
Photo: Ron Lach / Pexels

How is Camp Wandawega repurposing glass office pods for lodging?

Camp Wandawega acquired a pair of modular glass office pods via Facebook Marketplace to convert into minimalist overnight cabins across its 25-acre campsite in Wisconsin's Lake Country. [1] Dwell reported that an Illinois auto shop originally built the glass volumes during Covid to serve as isolated workspaces for visiting insurance adjusters. [1]

The adapted units feature custom commercial glazing, wraparound curtains, translucent greenhouse panels, and irrigated roofing systems designed to withstand heavy winter conditions. [1] Built-in forklift pockets allow the campsite operators to relocate and reconfigure the pods across the property as operational requirements shift. [1] Chicago architecture firm Studio Gang recently inaugurated the newly converted cabins. [1]

Designer and television host Tan France launched an 18-piece home goods collection in partnership with furniture brand Castlery. [1] According to Wallpaper, the crosscultural product line incorporates British and South Asian design influences across lighting, accessories, and furniture. [1] Notable pieces in the catalog include sculptural blown glass table lamps and a statement sofa designed for contemporary residential and boutique lounge environments. [1]

Which digital creators are driving online architecture discourse?

Architect's Newspaper highlighted several emerging digital commentators who analyze urban design, technical architecture, and spatial planning for online audiences. [1] Creators Abby Happel, Lauren Sinclair, Michael Sampson, Gage Garduno, Amy Bass, and Daniel Moffat produce content ranging from municipal infrastructure analysis and student studio illustrations to architectural critique and video tours of dynamic design spaces. [1]

Reported by

This article was written from the following reporting. Follow the links for the original coverage.

Frequently asked

+What is the timeline for the Berlin ICC redevelopment project?

Nine architecture and engineering firms will spearhead the redevelopment of Berlin's Internationales Congress Centrum over the next two and a half years to establish a 24-hour cultural venue.

+What amenities will be added to the renovated Berlin ICC?

The redevelopment plans add enhanced greenery, dedicated exhibition spaces, and a multifunctional library alongside the building's historic auditoriums and restaurant facilities.

+Where and when will the BDNY 2026 Power Players breakfast be held?

The BDNY Power Players breakfast takes place on November 9, 2026, at the Javits Center's River Pavilion in New York City in partnership with NEWH.

+How were the Camp Wandawega glass cabins originally used?

The glass pods were originally built by an Illinois auto shop during Covid as standalone offices for visiting insurance adjusters before being repurposed into overnight camp lodging.

+What features allow the Camp Wandawega pods to function as seasonal cabins?

The units include commercial glazing, wraparound curtains, irrigated roofing, greenhouse panels, and integrated forklift pockets for easy relocation and seasonal reconfiguration.

Keep reading