THE ICON, the pioneering timber pavilion originated by Hub Culture, has been named a Popular Choice Winner in the Pop-Ups & Temporary category at the Architizer A+Awards 2026 — a distinction decided by a worldwide public vote within one of the largest and most widely followed architecture award programs in the world.

Conceived and commissioned by Hub Culture, THE ICON was created as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration — bringing together architecture, technology, sustainability, and community in a single built environment. First realized in Davos, Switzerland, the project is the physical expression of Hub Culture’s long-running work on how future generations will live, work, gather, and connect through adaptable, environmentally responsible spaces. To bring the concept to life, Hub Culture assembled a team of execution partners: The Visionist Advisers (TVA) supported project integration, while BYLD and SKREINSTUDIOS led the architectural design and build.

Constructed primarily from timber and guided by principles of sustainability and circular design, THE ICON demonstrates how architecture can create meaningful experiences while minimizing environmental impact. It has served as a gathering place for global leaders, innovators, and change-makers, advancing conversations around the future of living, working, and community.

“THE ICON reflects our belief that the spaces we create shape the conversations we have and the communities we build,” said Stan Stalnaker, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Hub Culture. “This recognition celebrates an idea Hub Culture has been developing for years — and the partners who helped us realize it. We are grateful to see that vision resonate with audiences around the world.”

Founded in New York, the Architizer A+ Awards are among the most widely followed honors in global architecture, recognizing projects that advance design excellence, innovation, and impact. The Popular Choice Award is decided by a worldwide public vote, reflecting support from architects, designers, and audiences across the globe.

As architecture evolves in response to changing lifestyles, environmental priorities, and new patterns of human interaction, THE ICON stands as an example of how a temporary structure can create lasting impact through original vision, sustainability, and purposeful design.

Covering approximately 180 m² across two levels, the pavilion is divided into easily transportable modular units. Every component has been meticulously designed with functionality, circularity, and sustainability at its core.

Natural building materials—including timber, wood fibre insulation, and cork—were selected to minimise environmental impact and reduce embodied carbon emissions. Although thermal insulation is not required by building regulations for temporary structures, the entire building envelope—including the floor, roof, and wall assemblies—has been fully insulated to minimise operational energy demand during the Forum.

The interior is naturally ventilated without the use of mechanical ventilation systems, further reducing energy consumption while providing a healthy indoor environment. The prefabricated façade elements are clad in untreated timber shingles, following local Alpine building traditions. Left in their natural state, the shingles are intended to weather gracefully and develop a characteristic patina over time.

The pavilion is supported by non-invasive, removable screw pile foundations, allowing the natural terrain along Symondstrasse to remain undisturbed and enabling the structure to be dismantled with minimal environmental impact.