Evolution of the Skyscraper Conference Chicago

CTBUH Chicago Conference 2009 CTBUH (Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat) 2009 Conference Evolution of the Skyscraper: new challenges in a world of global warming and recession Photos courtesy of Jan Klerks (CTBUH) from July 2009 early morning helicopter tour of Chicago: View to southwest suburbs ; Grant Park and Millenium Park photos courtesy of Jan Klerks Date: 22-23 October Venue: Hermann Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Aqua Tower ; Marina City towers photos courtesy of Jan Klerks Tall Buildings have enjoyed two decades of unprecedented development - built in greater number, height and geographical spread than at any time in history. That position is now under threat from the twin challenges of global climate change and a severe international economic recession. Many projects are being cancelled, put on hold or reducing their pace of moving forward as the recession tightens, and questions are increasingly being asked of the sustainable credentials of high rise. The world's leading experts will convene at this conference to outline their reflections on the successes and excesses of the past two decades, and outline their thoughts on what tall buildings need to become. Will the skyscraper rise up to meet the challenges of the future? View north from downtown ; View southwest from downtown photos courtesy of Jan Klerks Key speakers include His Excellency Mohamed Ali Alabbar of Emaar (owner-developer of the tallest building in the world - the Burj Dubai); Eric Trump of the Trump Organization who will talk about Trump Tower; Adrian Smith who will talk about the upgrade to Sears/Willis Tower; Richard Tomasetti of Thornton Tomasetti who will talk about the Chicago Spire, a senior representative of the Willis Group to talk about their motivations behind occupying the Sears/Willis building; AIA President-elect Clark Manus of Heller Manus architects; John Portman of Portman Holdings; Arthur Gensler of Gensler; and many more. North America's tallest ; Sears Tower and South Loop neighborhood photos courtesy of Jan Klerks For further information, see http://ctbuh2009.ctbuh.org