International Convention Centre, Sydney
The International Convention Centre (ICC) at Darling Harbour, Sydney was completed in 2016. Spread over 250,000 sq. m, the venue has been promoted as being a ‘new global benchmark’ and an important landmark representative of Sydney’s ongoing transformation.
The building was designed by joint venture partners HASSELL and Populous, who drew on the characteristics and history of the Cockle Bay location for inspiration, in particular with the crystalline glass façade.
The ICC Sydney precinct includes:
- A convention facility capable of holding three concurrent events of up to 2,500 delegates.
- An exhibition capacity of 35,000 sq. m.
- A flexible entertainment theatre with a seated capacity of 8,000.
- An external event deck of 5,000 sq. m featuring spectacular city views.
- The largest ballroom in Australia, with banqueting space for up to 2,000 or 3,500 in cocktail mode.
- 8,000 sq. m of meeting room space across 70 rooms.
The Grand Ballroom reflects its waterfront location, with the use of a cool blue and grey palette, complementing the crisp pearlescent white porcelain façade and ceiling.
A ceiling of sculpted mirror polished blades reflects the colours and activity below.
HASSELL Fellow and Project Design Director, Ken Maher said:
“I think architecture has a role, if not a responsibility, particularly in a project of this size, to think beyond the project itself to bring a whole new dynamic quality and reputation to the broader city, and that’s what this project will do, perhaps more than any other project in the last generation.
“Convention and exhibition buildings have a tendency to be introverted by their very nature, but we worked to ensure that the line between the outside and the inside was blurred – so visitors coming to any of the venues could engage with the natural and built beauty of this city.
“The NSW Government’s goal was to have the best convention and exhibition centre in the world and they’ve certainly got it.”
Content and images courtesy of HASSELL.
Images © Guy Wilkinson
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.