ICONIC CONNECT: Discussing Architecture Where It Happens
Munich became the meeting point for the international architecture and design scene in early October. On the eve of the ICONIC AWARDS 2026 Awards Ceremony, winners used the ICONIC CONNECT supporting programme to network across industries, to experience architecture where it is created, and to discuss it there.
ICONIC CONNECT: Architecture On Site
ICONIC CONNECT comprised studio visits, guided tours and conversations with the people behind the projects. The programme opened with a breakfast hosted by Mirror Architecture Group under the title “Decentralised, Agile, European”. Founder Sebastian Schützdeller presented his network, which challenges the organisational model of the traditional architecture practice. Instead, independent studios collaborate under Mirror’s leadership to bring local expertise into international projects. The aim is individual solutions developed together with clients, and with it a departure from signature architecture. To make this possible, Schützdeller developed an app that brings together capacity planning, team structures, cost frameworks and timelines for all project phases. This makes collaboration work across borders.
A highlight on the way to the next stop was the recently completed Kinderoase day-care centre of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), designed by Kéré Architects.
The next stop was the “City of Lights” tour, following in the footsteps of Ingo Maurer. It took guests through the showroom, workshop and “Designerei” of the lighting manufacturer. Head of Design Alex Meissel showed, on a walk through Munich, how light works in public space, from underground stations to the showroom of a sportswear store. The installation of thousands of gold and silver tiles at the Residenztheater Munich is still impressive today and proves that light objects do not always need electric light to shine.
On the morning of the Awards Ceremony, architect Peter Haimerl took his guests to the Wabenhaus in the Messestadt Riem district. The building shows how living can work beyond the right angle.
Outlook: Visibility Beyond the Evening
ICONIC CONNECT presented one principle across several stations: discussing architecture where it is created, together with the people who turned their visions into successful projects. In this way, the ICONIC AWARDS 2026 continue to make an impact beyond the two days in Munich.
