Ever since the world’s first skyscraper was built here in 1885, Chicago has been a city of tall buildings. As its skyline has changed it has inspired other cities around the world to pursue high-rise solutions of their own.

London, on the other hand, is a city traditionally associated with low-rise and lower-density development. Yet, in the past decade a construction boom has rapidly changed London’s skyline, challenging the city’s historical image.

Through tall building design, engineering and planning, both cities are addressing new pressing priorities: first, the need to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in the built environment; and second, the pursuit of sustainable growth following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key questions this program will seek to answer include:

• What are the best approaches emerging in both cities for addressing these priorities?
• What are the newest trends in tall building design, materials and construction?
• What specific planning policies can help guide long-term progress toward a resilient, carbon-free city?

In this webinar, panelists from Chicago and London will discuss how tall buildings and the zero-carbon agenda affect both cities. Together we will exchange information, debate shared urban issues and compare approaches.

Panelists include:

• Gordon Gill, FAIA, founding partner of award-winning Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
• Joanna Bacon, managing partner at Allies and Morrison, RIBA and AA Trustee and shortlisted for AJ’s Woman Architect of the Year
• Cynthia Roubik, Assistant Commissioner with the city of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD)

This program will be moderated by Peter Murray, New London Architecture Curator-in-Chief and Michael Wood, Chicago Architecture Center Senior Curator.

This program is presented in partnership with NLA.