This workshop will identify issues that are likely to arise in the design and construction of megatall buildings (600 meters or taller), which are not evident in conventional tall building design, especially issues and challenges that will impact on cost. For example, this workshop will explore considerations being made in the proposed 2-kilometer-tall Rise tower in Riyadh. 

Explore cutting-edge methodologies revolutionizing construction in this workshop. Topics include systems design and management pre-construction, high-level fidelity studies, smart technology, advanced tools for design and fabrication, and AI tools for building system design. Learn how these innovations help design smarter and build more efficiently for successful project outcomes. 

This academic workshop will focus on the pressing need to rethink and adapt high-rise buildings in the context of a rapidly changing world. From climate resilience and demographic shifts to evolving technologies and social expectations, tall buildings must be designed—or retrofitted—to meet long-term needs with flexibility, intelligence, and sustainability in mind. The session will feature academic research presentations and critical discussions on how tall buildings can remain relevant and functional over decades, including themes such as building adaptability, circular design, mixed-use conversions, and technological integration. 

In addition to showcasing cutting-edge academic research, this workshop will also serve as a collaborative forum to gather input for the development of the CTBUH Academic Assembly and the CTBUH Research Agenda in the upcoming years. Participants will have the opportunity to shape CTBUH’s academic direction by sharing ideas on priority research areas, global collaboration models, and how best to bridge academia and practice in the tall building and urban development sectors. 

This workshop will explore the intersection of tall buildings and housing affordability, examining whether and how tall building development contributes to housing supply, cost reduction, and livability in cities. Participants will engage in presentations from industry experts, data-driven discussions, and an interactive activity to explore different affordability strategies. 

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Several major global cities, including Toronto, have adopted wind study requirements as part of the planning approvals process to ensure safety and comfort for pedestrians in the public realm. The workshop will examine the effectiveness of approaches to date with the aim of a publication on experience-based recommendations for how to approach this subject. 

In today’s evolving and complex urban landscape, the creation of vertical communities demands a diverse range of talents and perspectives. This workshop aims to explore the benefits and challenges of developing a diverse talent pool across key industries involved in tall building projects.