From the start, we knew we had an asset in the fact that the interiors of the ICC are a perfectly preserved time capsule of the style and spirit of the time. We wanted to activate the interiors while honoring the design identity, because the style is iconic and appeals to so many people for so many reasons. For some, the design aesthetic will feel nostalgic while for others it will feel retro. For this reason, we made the decision to make interventions that emphasize the interiors as they are, using the two advantages we see in the ICC: its quality of space and quantity of space.
The ICC has spaces unlike anywhere else in the world, so we wanted to focus on interior programming that defines the space and is defined by the space, all while tying into circularity, creative making, and community gathering. We put together a catalogue of potential uses, for example non-traditional exhibits that transform some of the unique ICC spaces, or workshops that can be held in the conference rooms.