Internationales Congress Center Dresden
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The terrace-style International Congress Center Dresden (ICD) benefits from both state of the art design and enviable location. Enjoying a prime spot on the banks of the River Elbe upstream from the neighbouring state parliament, the facility is considered one of Europe’s most modern congress centres. Its various halls and rooms are spread over four levels and can accommodate up to 6,000 visitors. The ICD is situated just on the other side of the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) - forming an impressive contrast to the adjacent historical baroque buildings of the old town centre. The gentle curves of the River Elbe between Johannstadt and Ostra inspired the building’s stretched architecture and the result is a unique combination of flowing glass and steel, harmoniously complementing its surrounds. |
The modern use of lightweight frames and copious glass lend the facility a stylish sense of openness and form a dramatic break from the heavy baroque architecture of its neighbours. The solid marquee protruding over the main entrance can be seen from afar, leaving little doubt that something special also lies within. Conventional architecture makes way for tilted elements traversing various floors, cubicles of glass propped by pillars and transparent walls that turn the facility into a beacon by night. |
 Those coming from the old town centre find themselves under the covered entrance long before they begin their journey up the open air steps to the foyer. Once reached, the level affords visitors breathtaking panoramic views over the River Elbe and waterfront. |
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Enhanced by transparent walls of glass, the floors, roof elements and terraces were all designed to leave an impression of weightlessness. Steel, glass and reinforced concrete have been used extensively and the contrast between the clear panes and modern colour scheme results in the successful conveyance of purpose, efficiency and the possible. Inspired by the fluid dynamics of the adjacent river, the exterior walls reflect its winding path while various surfaces and visual elements are provokingly tilted against the Elbe’s flow. |
| The interior of the ICD impresses with varying design elements and clever space utilisation. It houses a diverse range of conference rooms and congress halls of varying sizes that enjoy fabulous panoramic views over the Elbe either directly or via balcony walkways. The confines are streamlined to promote efficiency, modern to influence forward-thinking and unique to inspire creativity. They provide the ideal setting for developing successful strategies and engaging in productive brainstorming. |  |
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| The ICD has a large hall covering over 1,165m² that can accommodate more than 1,300 people, as well as five halls on the ground floor totalling 3,600m² that can be combined to seat a total of 4,150 participants. The stage covers 238m². The main halls are supplemented by six smaller conference halls ranging between 122 and 289m² in size, nine group rooms, various offices and a restaurant for 650 diners. In addition to congresses, the facility is ideal for exhibitions and celebratory events. |
The ‘Erlweinspeicher’ – from municipal warehouse to magnificent hotel
| Built between 1913 and 1914 in the old warehouse quarter, the huge depository was designed to increase Dresden’s storage capacities for tobacco, wool, spice and cloth. To keep the costs at a minimum, the city entrusted the project to their planning commissioner at the time, Hans Erlwein. A good thing too! More than a bureaucrat, Erlwein was a talented architect who recognized the importance of combining function and aesthetics. The interior provided the city with desperately-needed storage space while the exterior proved a welcome addition to Dresden’s skyline. Under Erlwein’s influence between 1904 and 1914, many buildings were constructed, leaving an everlasting impression on Saxony’s capital and a legacy of architectural landmarks. |
As with so many historical buildings in Dresden, the Erlweinspeicher suffered heavy damage during the closing months of World War II. While neighbouring buildings such as the grain silos and the bonded warehouse were completely destroyed, the reinforced concrete structure of the Erlweinspeicher was warped but remained standing. The city began restoring the building in early 1948 but the project only encompassed the lower levels. The warehouse section remained mostly unused and fell into disrepair. Over the years, the derelict landmark on the banks of the River Elbe became a sorry reminder to an unfortunate history. In the year 2000, plans were presented to turn the property into a Maritim hotel. The start of construction was delayed due to flooding in 2002 but got underway towards the end of 2004. Respecting the stringent regulations that protect historically-listed landmarks, Maritim’s plans were specially drafted to both restore and enhance the famous warehouse. Completed in just 18 months, the interior was reinforced and constructed anew, the façade was modernised through approved renovations and a massive glass roof was integrated to create the hotel’s spacious, naturally lit atrium. Since 2006: MARITIM Hotel & International Congress Center Dresden |
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| Maritim Hotel: 76m long, 40m high, 328 hotel rooms including 40 suites and a presidential suite covering 176m². The Maritim hotel is connected to the International Congress Center via a subterranean walkway. The former Erlweinspeicher seen across the River Elbe from the Neustädter bank. |
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| Landmark and location: the historical Erlweinspeicher before the renovations. The former warehouse at Ausschiffungsplatz in the historic town centre. The site on the Devrientstraße was an important distribution and storage area in turn of the century Dresden – with a number of municipal repositories, warehouses, customs departments and management offices. |
https://www.dresden-congresscenter.de/en/congress-center
08/10/2020