London & Paris, 23–27 September
With more than 1,300 registered attendees, this year's CTBUH 2024 International Conference, New or Renew: The Density Dilemma, was a huge success. Throughout each day, delegates engaged in sessions themed around technical innovations, regional topics, urban place-making, and issues of resilience and inclusiveness, among many others. Speakers from all corners of the world talked about retrofitting, carbon reduction and measurement, material re-use, equitable housing, climate change, and a wide variety of other topics that aim to address the question: New or Renew?
Katie Stewart, Executive Director for Environment at the City of London welcomes delegates to the conference and the City.
Diamond: FG Emreendimentos, Multiplex, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhard (PMVSB), and Stanhope
Platinum: Dusit Central Park, JLL, KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, KONE, Mitsubishi Estate, Otis, Paris La Défense, Schindler, Sun Hung Kai Properties, Tide Construction, TK Elevator GmbH, Unipol Group, and UOL Group Ltd.
Platinum (Paris): Paris La Défense and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Supporting Partners: City of London and New London Architecture (NLA)
See the full list of sponsors here.
CTBUH leaders shared updates and new initiatives with each other.
The conference kicked-off in London on Monday, 23 September, with a surge of energy and excitement. The day started with a Leaders Meeting for the members across the globe championing CTBUH initiatives and activities. This year was the largest group ever of CTBUH leaders to convene at a conference! During the meeting, key updates on the Council’s latest advancements and future goals were addressed. Insights came from regional directors and other leaders representing the Height Committee, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, Smart Technologies Assembly, and the Materials Assembly.
In the afternoon, over 300 delegates fanned out across 13 themed workshops at the Barbican Centre, grappling with the latest advancements of tall buildings and how the future of cities are shaped. In the workshop "Planning for Density" it was an opportunity for attendees to engage with the CTBUH City Advocacy Forum, a new initiative aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue on urban challenges. Participants heard from urban experts representing London, Toronto, New York City, and Paris. Another layer of this workshop was unfolding how these powerful conversations can be evaluated in data-based outputs from other industry leaders and the Council. Participants gave feedback on what the emphasis could be and how potential outcomes look for this exciting initiative. The workshop was kindly sponsored by KPF.
In the "Planning for Density" workshop, Thomas Wright, President of RPA talks about the need for housing in New York City.
Another workshop titled "New or Renew—Powered by Volumetric" explored how recent advances in volumetric off-site construction are addressing key challenges in the affordable housing crisis, this workshop looked at how these innovative techniques offer faster, cleaner, and more economical solutions. Kindly sponsored by Tide Construction, presentations included John Fleming, Founder and Chairman, Tide Construction and Simon Bayliss, Managing Partner, HTA Design LLP, who described module construction and the benefits to a construction schedule, alluding that these methods can also attract younger talent to the construction field. Additionally, Nick Hillard, ESG Lead, Tide Construction, spoke about the push for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices as currently being driven by investors and competition among developers, further accelerating the adoption of these cutting-edge approaches.
In the workshop "Retrofitting Density," sponsored by Buro Happold, attendees listened to presentations that emphasized retrofitting density as more than just a technical challenge—it requires balancing public and community priorities with innovative development models. The group explored these complexities through contrasting perspectives and diverse approaches from cities outside of the world’s most densely populated urban centers, which included the Detroit Future City, the Abu Dhabi Plan Capital, and Semarang (UKPACT).
Another highlight was the workshop "Skyscrapers—The Challenge of Energy Efficiency," kindly sponsored by NORR Group. Presentations followed by a lively panel discussion addressed the concept of a "net-zero" high-rise building. Looking at the technologies available today for tracking and controlling the carbon impact of the materials used in construction, and the operational decisions made for a project, industry leaders Luke Leung, Principal, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Michele Rossi, Co-Founding Partner, Park Associati; and Yahya Jan, President & Design Director, NORR Group Consultants International Limited, brought their insight into how this is much closer to reality. Dietmar Brüderl, Mechanical Engineer of Hydro Building Systems further discussed material circularity and how optimizing this practice can contribute in reaching the goal of net-zero.
Other incredible workshops with deep discussions on their topics in the afternoon included: Applying Nature-Based Design Principles to our Buildings and Cities, sponsored by Surbana Jurong; Carbon & Materials, sponsored by ArcelorMittal; Carbon Currency, sponsored by UNStudio; Fire Evacuation; Mastering ESG Challenges and the Launch of the Global in House Counsel Assembly, sponsored by Charles Russell Speechlys; Smart and Sustainable Districts, sponsored by JTC; Sustainable Retrofitting: Structural Engineering, sponsored by WSP; Transforming the Envelope: Rethinking Façades, sponsored by Guardian Glass; and Vertical Transportation/Mobility, sponsored by Otis.
Attendees connected and enjoyed the views at "The Lookout" on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate for the opening reception.
The day’s thought-provoking conversations culminated in a stunning opening networking reception at 8 Bishopsgate, designed by WilkinsonEyre, and hosted by Mitsubishi Estate and Stanhope. From "The Lookout," located on the 50th floor, attendees were treated to breathtaking views of London’s iconic fixtures like the Shard, St. John's Cathedral, and the London's Tower Bridge—a panoramic display of historic architecture mixed with the groupings of modern skyscrapers.
See more images from the day here.
CTBUH Board Chair Shonn Mills gives an introduction to start off the conference.
The first day of the core conference started in the plenary hall with a thank you to sponsors from CTBUH President Antony Wood and then a warm welcome from Katie Stewart, Executive Director for Environment at the City of London. After an introduction by CTBUH Board Chair Shonn Mills, CTBUH CEO Javier Quintana de Uña shared that for the first time at a CTBUH International Conference, the participation has exceeded 400 presenters, demonstrating the high enthusiasm to contribute knowledge and present exceptional projects to a global audience. As cities face growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability, the need for urban renewal has never been greater.
In the opening plenary plenary, insights on urban development were discussed by participants (L to R) Gwyn Richards, Lay Bee Yap, James Parakh, Dominique Alba, Thomas Wright, and Steve Watts.
Featuring the CTBUH City Advocacy Forum program in the opening plenary, a keynote presentation was given by Gwyn Richards, Planning and Development Director, City of London. He was followed by city advocates from Singapore, Toronto, Paris, and New York City, who briefly introduced their cities before starting a lively panel discussion moderated by CTBUH Vice-Chair Steve Watts. Watts commented at the start of the discussion, "One thing that continues to come back into conversation is how to address the housing crises." Accompanying Richards were speakers Thomas Wright, President, Regional Plan Association; James Parakh, Urban Design Manager, City of Toronto Planning Department; Lay Bee Yap, Group Director of Architecture & Urban Design Group, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA); and Dominique Alba, CEO, Ateliers Jean Nouvel, who commented on housing, aging populations, renewing buildings, and expanding transportation networks.
After this exhilirating discussion, delegates went out to the various sessions spread out over nine tracks for the remainder of the day.
(L to R) John Bushell, Dimitrios Tziogas-Papandreou, Daniel Pitkin, Chris Radley, Nicolas Worley, and Sukriye (Rae) Robinson.
Moderated by CTBUH Director of Research and Thought Leadership, Daniel Safarik, the session "Why Renew? Rapid Fire" featured six presenters who chose to "renew," each explaining why in a rapid-fire 8-minute presentation. The speakers, Nicholas Worley, Partner, Fletcher Priest Architects; Chris Radley, Senior Associate, Fletcher Priest Architects; Sukriye (Rae) Robinson, Associate Architect, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; John Bushell, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates; Daniel Pitkin, Project Manager, Great Portland Estates plc; and Dimitrios Tziogas-Papandreou, Head of Temporary Works, Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd, then came together in a panel discussion to further examine the nuances of the "New or Renew" theme.
Participants of the session "London's Growing Up: A Decade of Building Tall." (L to R) Joanna Bacon, Stuart Marsh, Brian Smith, Federico Ortiz, and Peter Murray.
Another invigorating session was "London's Growing Up: A Decade of Building Tall," shedding light on how tall buildings have transformed London over the last 10 years. The speakers discussed the anniversary edition of the New London Architecture (NLA) Tall Building Report and how tall buildings will likely continue shaping the city well into the future. Report contributors spoke about their findings in this enlightening session, with speaker Joanna Bacon, Partner, Allies and Morrison Architects and Chair of the NLA tall building committee stating, "Tall buildings cannot be successful if they don’t provide a quality space for the people they serve." The other speakers included Federico Ortiz, Head of Program, New London Architecture; Brian Smith, Director, AECOM; Stuart Marsh, Senior Associate Principal, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; and the session chair, Peter Murray, Co-Founder of New London Architecture.
See the full day's program here.
See images from the day here.
The energy of the previous day carried over into numerous events, highly engaging panels, and sessions. In the morning, nearly 50 people gathered for a morning 5K run/walk along the River Thames to explore some of London’s notable landmarks, finishing near St. Paul’s Cathedral. Participants then enjoyed breakfast, kindly hosted by Cundall, in the sightlines of this historic building before preparing to join the day's conference sessions.
Almost 50 participants joined in the early morning 5K run/walk before the conference.
One of the first sessions of the day was an invigorating discussion about The Barbican Centre (1965-1982), panelists in the session "Renewing a Brutalist Icon: The Barbican" described how the complex was conceived as part of a bold vision to reshape how people experience buildings in the context of urban life. Yet much of the Barbican's infrastructure is now aging, prompting a major renewal effort. "What's exciting about where we are now are the possibilities of a broader remake...but we always have to ask: how feasible are the ambitions to update or 'renew' the Barbican Centre?" stated Session Chair Catherine Croft, Director, Twentieth Century Society. This revitalization offers a unique opportunity to restore some of the complex's original architectural features while aligning it with modern climate goals and municipal sustainability targets. Panelists included Emily McDonald, UK Market Leader, Buro Happold; Phillipa Simpson, Director for Buildings and Renewal, Barbican Centre; and Oliver Heywood, Director, Allies and Morrison Architects.
Representatives from each iconic building answered delegate questions about their efforts in modernizing these developments.
Along the same theme of modernizing buildings, the session, "Adapting City Icons for Modern Demands" focused on the four most iconic buildings in their respective cities—Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, TAIPEI 101 in Taipei, the International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong, and Shanghai Tower in Shanghai. All have seen remarkable advancements, particularly in sustainability and operational efficiency. Despite the fact that the oldest of these landmarks was completed in 1998, they continue to set new benchmarks for innovation and environmental responsibility. Speakers representing each development spoke about their strategies and ways of extending the lifespan of these influential buildings.
Speakers motivated delegates with technology solutions in urban strategies, ideas for retrofitting city icons for today's demands, and radical environmental approaches for higher sustainability in the day's sessions.
See the full day's program here.
Santiago Calatrava was one of the three visionary leaders in architecture and engineering who spoke in the closing plenary.
The closing plenary constellated the day’s events around the theme “Creative Engineering & Design: What's Next?" with renowned speakers who've shaped the field of tall building engineering and design. Three visionary leaders in architecture and engineering, including the two CTBUH 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award winners, John Zils and Santiago Calatrava, shared how their optimism, determination, and ingenuity have shaped the skylines of cities around the world, while also looking ahead to the future of the field.
Zils, a retired Associate Partner and Structural Engineer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, reflected on his early career working with the legendary Fazlur Khan on the structural innovations behind Chicago’s iconic Sears Tower (now Willis Tower). SawTeen See, President of See Robertson Structural Engineers, highlighted the groundbreaking techniques she developed alongside the late Leslie E. Robertson and introduced a new CTBUH Fellowship aimed at nurturing the next generation of structural engineers. Closing the session, Santiago Calatrava, renowned architect, artist, and engineer, explored the connection between art, human form, and structural design, illustrating how inspiration from diverse mediums can shape how we approach building tall. Each speaker showcased not only their deep expertise but also their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering, continuing to redefine what’s possible in the creation of high-rise structures.
See images from the day here.
CTBUH President Antony Wood (L) was recognized by CTBUH Board Chair Shonn Mills (R) for his 20 years of service with CTBUH.
Before delegates closed out the day, CTBUH Board Chair Shonn Mills recognized CTBUH President Antony Wood for his 20 years of service and contributions to growing and shaping the organization. Mills delivered a brief retrospective of Wood's career and accomplishments over the years: Wood joined CTBUH in a voluntary role in 2004, as Vice President for Europe and Research, before being invited to Chicago to take up the executive directorship (later, CEO) in 2006. Wood will continue with CTBUH until the end of 2024 as part of this transition.
The evening concluded with our highly anticipated awards ceremony and dinner and the announcement of the category winners from the preceding days of presentations and jury deliberations. An eagerly awaited highlight of the conference, this year's awards ceremony recognized the CTBUH 2024 Lifetime Achievement awardees and fellows along with the jury selections for the overall winners in each category, including the much-anticipated Best Tall Building Worldwide designation, which went to Singapore's Pan Pacific Orchard.
Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore won the CTBUH 2024 Best Tall Building Worldwide Award.
See all the winners here.
See images from the Awards Dinner and Ceremony here.
The following day, attendees visited numerous off-site tours around London, in the morning and afternoon. Delegates were able to choose from 10 unique off-site programs that took place throughout London and included: 120 and 50 Fenchurch, 1 Undershaft; 8 Bishopsgate; Battersea Power Station Development; East Croydon; Elephant and Castle Town Centre; Paddington Square; The Leadenhall & Lloyds Building; City of London Walking Tour; 76 Southbank; and The Shard.
Attendees on the Lloyds Building off-site tour.
Learn more about these incredible sites.
See images from the day here.
The CTBUH 2024 International Conference concluded in Paris, hosting more than 200 attendees with a full agenda of discussions and tours. Starting the day with an inspiring opening plenary program, delegates were hosted at the 32-story Trinity (CTBUH 2021 Urban Habitat Award, CTBUH 2022 Best Tall Building, Office Award), located in Paris’ La Défense district.
Hosted on the 25th floor of Trinity, the opening session was themed La Défense: Revolutionary Renewal.
In the spectacular curved-glass conference room on the 25th floor of Trinity, CTBUH Board Chair Shonn Mills delivered opening remarks, acknowledging the generous sponsorship that enabled the Paris program to go forward. Next, CTBUH CEO Javier Quintana de Uña provided wider context for the curious relationship between France and the skyscraper, sharing historic visions of skyscraper-dotted cities from the interwar period, including those of Auguste Perret and Le Corbusier’s Plan Voisin.
CTBUH CEO Javier Quintana de Uña spoke out the historic visions of skyscraper cities.
Five speakers followed with presentations about the buildings and significant changes in the La Défense district. Philippe Honnorat, chair of the CTBUH France Chapter and Design Director at Bouygues Immobilier, spoke about improved connectivity to the surrounding cities and significantly more greenery than what was currently in place. Jean-Luc Crochon, Principal, Cro & Co, and one of the architects behind the Trinity office building, stated that the concept was “to break the image of the old tall building being a fish tank where the users were just a number.”
Next, Pierre Yves-Guice, General Director, Paris La Défense, discussed the transformation of the district, once almost entirely offices, into a livable neighborhood with greener spaces, the opening of a new RER Line, and revitalized shopping and leisure facilities, aiming to attract younger generations and workers to the area. This was followed by a presentation from Vincent Jean-Pierre, Managing Director, Offices France and Mixed-Use Europe, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), one of the preeminent developers in La Défense and in Paris overall, who highlighted the company's commitment to creating sustainable, collaborative workspaces. Lastly, Franck Boutte, CEO of Atelier Franck Boutte, discussed his work on environmental and equity issues, applying these to the situation of La Défense. The opening program closed with a lively Q&A between the speakers and attendees.
Afterward, attendees filtered out onto the Esplanade, splitting up to take six individual building tours: Altiplano, Legende, Tour Ariane, Tour Aurore, Tour First, and Tour Saint-Gobain.
Attendees on the Tour First building tour.
Reconvening for lunch at the Tour Ariane, the delegates sent a warm "bon voyage" to the participants of the inaugural CTBUH Paris-to-London Cycle Challenge, raising funds to support Bayley House. The Club Peloton-supported four-day ride back to the UK, covering 450 kilometers and 4,000 meters in elevation was kindly sponsored by GetJar, Multiplex, ASG, Dornan, and O’Neill Brennan.
Cyclists get ready to leave Paris for ar 450 kilometer ride back to London.
After lunch delegates continued with site tours to five sites well-suited to the “New or Renew” conference theme. This included: Tour Triangle + Parc des Expo; Tour Pleyel + Village Olympique + La Communale; Tribunal de Paris + Clichy Batignolles; Wood Up/ Berlier/ Duo and Bruneseau District; and La Félicité (Morland Mixite Capitale) + Notre Dame Surroundings.
Attendees viewing a large model that included the Bruneseau District.
Closing the day, attendees came together under the glass roof of the 10th-floor meeting space at the Hotel Pullman Tour Eiffel. Remarks were given by Quintana de Uña, who praised the intensive footwork of the CTBUH France Chapter—and Ariane Dienstag in particular—for orchestrating an incredible day of sessions and building tours.
Ariane Dienstag introduces Hugo Christy who gives the final presentation of the day.
Dienstag introduced the final speaker, Hugo Christy, President, Demain Matin, who presented “Paris: City of Tomorrow,” which summarized the constraints and opportunities presented by the collision of three major initiatives in the region: a 37-meter height ban on new construction within the city; the Plan d’Urbanisme Biologique (PLUb), a program for increasing biodiversity in the region; and Le Grand Paris Express, a four-line extension of the Paris Metro into the suburbs, accompanied by a plan of polycentric densification.
Finishing the Paris-leg of the conference next to the Eiffel Tower.
Delegates joined in by providing comparative comments about their own experience with urban transformations of the kind now being conducted in Paris before breaking out into individual conversations driven by the momentum of the previous days, the stellar atmosphere of the room, and presence of the Eiffel Tower nearby.
See the full day's program here.
See images from the day here.
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