Steel and Skylines: Unveiling Innovations from the Las Vegas Strip to Super Tall Buildings

Join architect and author Stefan Al as he delves into the world of architectural innovation and its profound impact on skylines across the globe. Drawing from his acclaimed book “Supertall,” Al will share insights from the realm of skyscrapers, shedding light on the emergence of a new generation of towering structures that defy conventional limits in terms of height and design. With personal experience as one of the architects behind the remarkable 2000-foot tall Canton Tower, which briefly held the title of the world’s tallest tower, Al offers a firsthand account of the challenges faced in pushing architectural boundaries, including the quest for improved sustainability.
Furthermore, he will highlight the unceasing evolution of Las Vegas Boulevard as he explores the developments of resort design and signage that have contributed to the city’s distinctive character. Building upon the research from his book “The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream” he uncovers the dynamic changes that have shaped this iconic destination, while contemplating the importance of sustainability in its ever-evolving architectural landscape.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover new developments in resort and sign design and how they will affect future large scale design projects
- Learn how skyscrapers can become more sustainable
- Find out how the Las Vegas strip is innovating the world of architecture
- Challenges to anticipate when developing supertall buildings
Speaker:
Stefan Al is an architect, urban designer, and Associate Professor of Architecture at Virginia Tech. He is the author of “Supertall: How the World’s Tallest Buildings Are Reshaping Our Cities and Our Lives,” praised in The New York Times Book Review as “a thoughtful inquiry into the new generations of skyscrapers.” In his practice, he has contributed to the design of master plans, mixed-use developments, multi-functional buildings, and high-rise towers across the world, including the winning design of the 2000-foot tall Canton Tower, briefly the world’s tallest tower. In addition, he has served as an advisor to major institutions, such as the city of Hong Kong and the United Nations High-Political Forum of Sustainable Development. Al’s work has gained major recognition, making appearances on CNN, CBS, Science Channel, NPR, and TED, where he was selected to be a TED Resident.