“Precipitated by climate change, the general population growth and migration to large cities force us to rethink how to optimally use land in central districts of the largest metropolitan areas. Smart urban densification and adopting a human approach to dense high-rise development should be the priorities for urban planners, architects and real-estate developers.” This view was expressed at PLACES + SPACES by Kent Jackson, Design Partner at Skidmore Owings and Merrill LPP (SOM), an international studio that contributed to buildings such as the tallest structure in the world Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Willis Tower in Chicago, and One World Trade Center in New York.

An example of a project that has remained open to the neighbourhood despite its great height and scale was presented by James Goldsmith, Head of Leasing at AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets, who is overseeing the lease of 22 Bishopsgate – a 278-metre tower developed in the City of London. “Inclusivity, the well-being of all users, knowledge sharing, and environmental stewardship are all aspects we care about at 22 Bishopsgate. Community spaces in our building such as the coworking and event space, flexible offices for lease, the gym or the viewing platform make our building a vertical office campus rather than a typical high-rise,” James Goldsmith said.

“The masterplan for the rebuilding of the World Trade Center post 9/11 was perhaps one of the most complicated planning processes in modern history. The plan had to balance both the gravity of what happened, as well as the developmental and financial needs of the site.  The studio’s plan balanced the needs of the various stakeholders taking into account high-rise development and the historical context of the place.” – recalled Yama Karim, Partner at Studio Libeskind at the PLACES + SPACES event.