CTBUH 2024 Asia Conference Summary

Bangkok, 3 & 4 December

(L to R) CTBUH Asia Director Peng Du; CTBUH Chairman Shonn Mills; CTBUH CEO Javier Quintana de Uña; Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt; Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group CEO of Frasers Property; Worawat Srisa-an, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Bangkok; Scott Duncan, Partner at SOM; Russell Kim, Chief Design and Innovation Officer of One Bangkok.

 

The CTBUH 2024 Asia Conference, "Harnessing Rapid Growth: Density and the Challenge of City-Making in Asia," was held in Bangkok at the Ritz Carlton Ballroom in One Bangkok on 3 & 4 December 2024.

The conference focused on projects and plans of enormous scale and ambition, at the cutting edge of design. These exceptional examples channel the entrepreneurial spirit of their citizens into a higher quality of life, tackling the challenges from the rapid growth of population and urban development.

With a sold out venue, the Council was honored to have the Governor of Gangkok, Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt welcome over 300 attendees from 32 cities and 19 countries, of which 89 percent were from Asia, and 11 percent came from other global regions. Delegates joined CTBUH for thought-provoking presentations, stimulating conversations, astounding off-site tours, and multiple networking opportunities. The conference brought together thought leaders, experts, policymakers, and industry representatives, representing various sectors and interests across the Asia region. 

The presentations and discussions taking place throughout the day on Tuesday, 3 December are detailed further in this summary report below, along with a summary of the off-site tours on Wednesday, 4 December. 

We’d like to thank the CTBUH Asia Steering Committee, sponsors, partners, and especially CTBUH Asia Regional Director Peng Du and Russell Kim of Frasers Property who helped make this an incredibly successful event. 

Diamond
Frasers Property

Platinum
Gaysorn Property
KONE
Tianjin North Glass Industrial Technical Co., Ltd.

Gold 
Architects 49 
Broad Group
Cheng Chung Design
Design 103 International
HOK
Lead8
Meinhardt (Thailand)
Pelli Clarke & Partners
RWDI
Schindler
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
TK Elevator GmbH
UNStudio

Silver 
Hongkong Land
Bouygues Bâtiment International

Exhibitors
AET Flexible Space
Dextra Manufacturing Co. Ltd
KONE
Nikken Sekkei Ltd
Siderise
Tianjin North Glass Industrial Technical Co., Ltd.

Supporting Partners 
Association of Siamese Architects
EEC Engineering Network
The Nova Community

 

Summary of the CTBUH 2024 Asia Conference

Tuesday, 3 December 2024, Morning Sessions (9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

 

Left image: Peng Du welcomes delegates on behalf of the Asia Steering Committee. Right image: CTBUH Chair Shonn Mills gives an update on CTBUH initiatives. 

Welcoming delegates to the CTBUH Asia Conference, CTBUH Asia Director Peng Du spoke to the crowd giving an overview of the excitement in planning the event for Bangkok and what to expect throughout the day.  Next, CTBUH Board Chair Shonn Mills updated members and attendees of the Council’s latest initiatives, inviting all participants to share and get involved. In closing, he welcomed the esteemed Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, to give an official welcome to delegates, followed by a short presentation.

The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt gives a warm welcome to conference delegates.

Dr. Sittipunt enthusiastically addressed delegates to the conference. His presentation shared the groundwork for growth in the city of Bangkok, and his message of “A Bangkok for all,” and invited all “designers, planners, suppliers here, to work together” in making a better place. 

 

Scott Duncan (Left image) and Russell Kim (Right image) gave presentations and more details on the design and development of One Bangkok

Next, keynote speakers Scott Duncan, Partner, SOM and Russell Kim, Chief Design and Innovation Officer, Frasers Property, described the development of One Bangkok, the host location for the conference. Following this, CTBUH CEO Javier Quintana de Uña introduced the CTBUH City Advocacy Forum (CAF), the opening plenary discussion between the cities of London, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Bangkok that brought candid reflections into the challenges and lessons behind experiencing rapid growth.  

 

(L to R) Clarice Yu, Peter Murray, Micah Weinberg, Niramon Serisakul and Javier Quintana de Uña discuss the future of vertical urbanism in their respective cities. 

CAF speakers Peter Murray (London), Clarice Yu (Hong Kong), Micah Weinberg (San Francisco), and Niramon Serisakul (Bangkok) gave short presentations on their respective cities before diving into an insightful conversation with Quintana de Uña moderating the discussion.  

After a short break, delegates broke out to join the next session distributed over two tracks.  In Track A, “Transforming Cities, Driving Sustainability and Connectivity,” Pilynn Indara (Session Chair), Architect, Director & General Manager, Nikken Sekkei (Thailand) Ltd., introduced the speakers.  Fanny Lalau, Director Major Projects, Asia Pacific and Middle East at KONE spoke about the next generation of high-rise elevators that are offering sustainable solutions in high growth and density. Next, Simon Chua, Co-founder & Executive Director or Lead8 spoke on the topic of in-between places. Following this, Daniel Chunlin He, Director of Pelli Clarke & Partners provided a perceptive take on the dynamics of a city within a city and shared two projects, located in Tokyo and Shenzhen.  Last, Zhang Yue, Chairman of the HTR Group talked about the innovation of building technologies used in recent buildings that promote low-carbon practices in construction.

Left image: Fanny Lalau presents in Track A, "Transforming Cities, Driving Sustainability and Connectivity." Right image: (L to R) Sontaya Bluangtook, Anthony Arundell, and Zafer Kabadayi answer audience questions with May Wei (far right) as moderator.

Concurrently, in Track B, “Smart Technologies for Sustainable Density,” focused directly on material and design innovations that promote greener practices. The session chair May Wei introduced the first speaker Sontaya Bluangtook, Associate Design Director and Senior Architect at UNStudio who described the philosophy of play in design to develop innovative spaces and structure, giving examples of projects in India, Singapore, Dubai and Seoul. Next, Candice Zhao, Project Manager, NorthGlass from China presented “Aesthetics of Architectural Glass,” giving examples from projects in Australia, China and Dubai. Zafer Kabadayi, the New Installations Sales Director at Schindler spoke next on how to support sustainable technology and new products using robotics. Last, Anthony Arundell, Senior Vice President, Frasers Property gave a presentation on smart technology, especially the operations that were developed at One Bangkok, the host location for the conference.

After these engaging presentations, delegates were served lunch before the afternoon sessions continued.

 

Tuesday, 3 December 2024, Afternoon Sessions (1:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

Starting of the afternoon sessions, Session chair and discussion moderator Doti Windajani, Principal & Owner, PT Quadratura Indonesia introduced “Innovative Approaches to Public Space Utilization held in Track A. The speakers, Toon Virochpoka, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Design 103 International; Ghar Ek Lau, Leader – Building Performance | Associate Principal, RWDI; and Nicolas Medrano, Design Principal, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, each gave a short presentation before joining on stage to discuss implementing quality public streets and spaces, and the varied considerations in governmental support across Asian cities. The presenters commented on Singapore as an ideal and further touched on how to confront the challenges facing other cities like Jakarta, Manila, and Mumbai.  Questions from the audience continued the lively discussions on city policy and creative ways developers and designers can incorporate quality public space in new developments.

Left image: Track A, Session 3, (L to R) Toon Virochpoka, Ghar Ek Lau, Nicolas Medrano, and Doti Windajani. Right image: Track B, Session 3, (L to R) Rutger Huiberts, Bob Hong, Paul Collins, and Zhizhe Yu. 

In Track B, “Regenerative Design and Nature-Based Solutions,” speakers Paul Collins, Managing Director, HOK, Inc.; Bob Hong, Vice President, CCD; and Rutger Huiberts, Director, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates each presented on the integration of nature into design work.  After, session chair Zhizhe Yu (Session Chair), Co-Founder & Executive Director, AI Planetworks brough each speaker on stage for a rousing conversation on topics such as effective maintenance with plantings, using data-based design approaches for better designs and obtaining post-occupancy information. Questions from the audience furthered the interaction behind this interesting topic.

There was a brief break before attendees selected one of the panel discussions to attend in the two tracks.

In Track A, speakers Fafuen Temboonkiat, Managing Director, Gaysorn Property Co., Ltd; Mark Borland, Director and Head of Projects South Asia, Hongkong Land; Sammy NG, Deputy General Manager, All Seasons Property Co. Ltd at Bangkok Thailand; and Dexter Norville, Head of Property and Asset Management, JLL, each gave a brief presentation sharing an example project in Asia based off the theme “Mega Development and City Making.”  Following this, a panel discussion and questions from the audience ensued with Claudia Melniciuc, Regional Leader, RIOS as moderator.

Left image: Track A, Session 4, (L to R): Sammy NG, Mark Borland, Fafuen Temboonkiat, Dextor Norville, and Claudia Melniciuc. Right image: Track B, Session 4, (L to R) Shao-Wei Huang, Pichai Wongwaisayawan, Peter Boda, Phaithaya Banchakitikun, and Anuja Sawant.  

Simultaneously, in Track B, a panel discussion moderated by Anuja Sawant (Moderator), Principal, Sandeep Shikre & Associates on the theme of “Urban Resilience: Strategies for Climate Challenges” was held with Phaithaya Banchakitikun, Former Vice President, Association of Siamese Architects; Peter Boda, Associate Architect, Nikken Sekkei Ltd; Pichai Wongwaisayawan, Deputy Managing Director, A49; and Shao-Wei Huang, Associate Director, Zaha Hadid Architects. The discussion turned to climate-related design and resilience, with examples from Japan, Bangkok, and Singapore among others. Further questions touched on flood protection and planning, the role data plays (and its future), and how to engage community organizations for longevity and strategy effectiveness.

Natalie de Vries, Founding Partner of MVRDV gives a closing keynote presentation. 

After a short break from an invigorating day of sessions, delegates reconvened to hear the closing plenary.  First speaking was Natalie de Vries, Founding Partner & Board Member, MVRDV who gave a presentation on “Harnessing Rapid Growth: Towards Sustainable Vertical Urbanism and High-rise Culture.” Touching on the firm’s design philosophy and culture she expanded on the points of a three-dimensional city. She posited that in today’s world, designers and planners must address a four-dimensional city with AI and digital connectivity.  

 

Keynote speaker Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office provides insight into projects in and around Bangkok.

Next, Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office spoke on the topic of “The Sustainable Future of Thailand: Economy, Environment and People.” He gave insights into this large project currently underway to promote investment, streamline business permits, and build the infrastructure and utilities to support further urban growth. This included discussion on a new project called “Easy Capital City” or “Easy City” that is under planning and the land currently being acquired for future development.

The audience asked both speakers questions about their presentations before the session chair, Peng Du, closed out the conference and welcomed all delegates to attend the networking reception afterward.

 

Delegates end the day on the Ritz Carlton outdoor terrace to network and reflect on the day's events.

Held in the new Ritz Carlton Ballroom and outdoor terrace, the networking reception offered breathtaking views of Lumphini Park and the city skyline.

To see more images of the conference and reception, view the gallery. 

 

Wednesday, 4 December 2024, Off-site Tours

On 4 December, attendees experienced an unforgettable day with exclusive off-site tours to some of the city’s most innovative developments. Each was led by experts of these transformative projects, giving their take on the journeys behind the design, development, and construction of these incredible projects.

One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
One Bangkok off-site tour
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
Gaysorn Urban Resort off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.
ESSE Sukhumvit 36 off-site tour.

 

The tours included:

One Bangkok developed by Frasers Property Limited.

A trailblazing example of smart city development, the tour had presentations from Russell Kim, Chief Design & Innovation Officer, Frasers Property; Roger Cua, Associate Director and Facade Team Leader, Meinhardt Thailand; and Pichai Wongwaisayawan, Deputy Managing Director, Architects 49 Limited who highlighted the project's integration of retail, offices, open pedestrian spaces, transport connectivity, and sustainability. Attendees explored how One Bangkok sets new standards for urban living by blending cutting-edge architecture, public spaces, and green building practices.

GAYSORN URBAN RESORT developed by Gaysorn Property Co., Ltd. 

Led by Fafuen Temboonkiat, Managing Director, and Pitch Phoomsawat, Content Design Specialist of Gaysorn Property Co., alongside Charles Jiang, Head of Sales and Marketing Southeast Asia, TK Elevator, this tour offered a unique perspective on mixed-use urban design. Attendees experienced the seamless fusion of high-end retail, modern office spaces, and lush greenery at Gaysorn Village, showcasing how this vibrant complex redefines urban living. The tour also highlighted its commitment to sustainability and creating an elevated urban lifestyle.

ESSE Sukhumvit 36 designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Nicolas Medrano, AIA, Design Principal at SOM, gave an intimate and exclusive presentation on the design and development of the narrow site for this luxury residential property located in one of Bangkok’s most desirable neighborhoods, revealing how the project balances Thai vernacular traditions with contemporary luxury. Afterward, attendees explored the building which comprises 338 residential units and has expansive amenities, including a gym, infinity pool, spa area, multiple green spaces on terraces and ground floor, and a combination of automated and self-parking.

 

Each exemplified what CTBUH conferences are all about—immersive learning, real-world examples of excellence, and meaningful connections with peers in the built environment.