The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has announced its aim to examine and address the impact of burgeoning urban density.
This is a widespread and multifaceted global issue that requires innovative approaches in architecture, urban planning, public policy and numerous other fields, and will be addressed at its annual international conference, September 23–27, in London and Paris, themed “New or Renew: Addressing the Density Dilemma.”
But what is the density dilemma? As populations swell in cities worldwide—the United Nations projects that nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050—there is a growing need to actively confront the challenges of accommodating more people without compromising the environment; professional, civic and social engagement; and equitable and healthy living.
“Density can be perceived in various ways,” explained CTBUH CEO Javier Quintana de Uña. “For some, it conjures challenges associated with big cities and insufficient infrastructure. For others, it represents smarter tall buildings, efficient land use, vibrant urban environments and the potential for sustainable living. We believe in the latter perception, which can meaningfully influence urban policies and development strategies—that’s why it’s essential to clarify what balanced, effective and livable density looks like.”
High-density urban areas offer several benefits. They can reduce the per capita cost of infrastructure and public services and support a diverse array of cultural and economic activities. Dense urban environments can also encourage public transportation use, reduce car dependency and lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change.
However, these benefits are only realized when density is managed effectively, which requires imaginative solutions tailored to diverse urban contexts.
To this end, more than 1,300 of today’s industry-leading experts, representing a wide range of disciplines and specializations, will convene in two densely populated capital cities to deliver and participate in hundreds of workshops, presentations, panel discussions and off-site tours that aim to determine the future of density (the full range of conference programming can be found here).
One critical aspect of the density dilemma to be addressed at the CTBUH international conference is the revitalization of existing structures and urban areas. Adaptive reuse of old buildings and infrastructure can preserve cultural heritage while meeting modern needs, an approach that can be more sustainable than new construction by reducing the environmental impact associated with demolition and building materials.
As Gwyn Richards, Planning and Development Director at the City of London Corporation, stated, "Repurposing and retrofitting existing buildings is a key part of creating a pathway to sustainable urban regeneration. The theme of this year’s CTBUH conference—new or renew—resonates deeply with our work in the City of London, where we advocate a 'retrofit first not retrofit only' approach and strive to balance heritage and modernity while creating vibrant, resilient and inclusive buildings and spaces for future generations."
For more information on the CTBUH 2024 international conference, including the full list of speakers, sessions and registration details, please visit ctbuhconference.com.
