From October 26–29, KPF will contribute to the Summit through a series of discussions, presentations, and tours, sharing perspectives from the firm’s work in cities around the world.
Monday October 26
→ Workshop: “The Planner’s Dilemma: Intensification, Identity, and the Public Interest,” introduced by Principal John Bushell.
Tuesday October 27
→ Session: “Urban Habitat, Density, and Resilience,” with a presentation by Principal Jeffrey Kenoff of Westlake 66.
→ Session: “Best Tall Building – Under 100m; 100–199m; Asia,” with Principal Marianne Kwok presenting Guangzhou One Pengrui.
Wednesday October 28
→ Session: “Infrastructure, Microclimate and the Public Realm,” with a presentation by President & Principal James von Klemperer.
→ Panel: “Density and Identity Through Waterfront Regeneration in China,” with James joining the discussion.
→ Session: “Best Tall Building – 200–299m; 300m+; Americas; Asia; Middle East & Africa,” with Marianne presenting One Bangkok Tower 4 and Principal Robert Whitlock presenting CPIC Xintiandi Commercial Center.
→ Session: “Inclusive Districts and the Public Realm – Future Project and EDI Award,” with Robert presenting Shenton House and John presenting Seventy Gracechurch Street.
Thursday October 29
→ Tour: 52 Lime Street, led by Principal Paul Simovic.
Organized by the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU), the annual VU Summit brings together architects, developers, planners, engineers, and city leaders from around the world to exchange ideas on the future of tall buildings and high-density cities. This year’s theme, “Density and Identity: Shaping Skylines, Elevating Culture,” considers how density, technology, and infrastructure can respond to global challenges while creating places rooted in local identity and culture.
