Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Aims to Understand and Address the Global Density Dilemma

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) announced today its aim to examine and address the impact of burgeoning urban density, a widespread and multifaceted global issue that requires innovative approaches in architecture, urban planning, public policy and numerous other fields, 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.

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."

Sustainability, too, resides at the heart of the density dilemma. High-density developments must incorporate green building practices, non-polluting technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize their environmental footprint. Urban green spaces, such as parks and vegetated roofs, can mitigate the heat island effect, improve air quality and provide residents with areas for recreation and relaxation.

“Paris La Défense exemplifies sustainability through its inventive urban planning and architecture,” according to Pierre-Yves Guice, CEO of Paris La Défense. “The district integrates eco-friendly technologies and initiatives, such as green roofs, energy-efficient buildings and extensive public transport networks, to minimize its carbon footprint and provide a model for balancing urban density with environmental responsibility.”

Another primary challenge in addressing the density dilemma is balancing the need for more housing and infrastructure with the imperative to maintain or improve residents' quality of life. Poorly planned cities can lead to overcrowding, strained infrastructure and diminished public spaces. 

“Addressing the density dilemma is about crafting communities. We must ensure that high-density developments foster livable, people-oriented communities that offer a high quality of life," expressed William Chilton, Principal at Pickard Chilton Architects. “Thoughtful urban and architectural design must turn the challenges of dense environments into opportunities for placemaking innovation. By embracing context, scale and purpose, we can create spaces that enhance the livability and connectivity of our cities.”

Beyond interconnectivity, we must also enhance the malleability of communities to support healthy and sustainable high-density living. According to Catherine Skinner, Principal at BVN, “Considering our cities as interconnected communities creates space for diversity, wonder and delight; places where continuous adaptation at both the individual and city scale is possible. This mindset uncovers possibilities beyond the immediately apparent and presents boundless opportunities for what our future might enable.”

“When confronting the density dilemma, we must not overlook how technological advancements are shaping the future,” explained Gita Maruthayanar, Associate Director at Atelier Ten. “Innovations such as smart buildings that utilize data-driven design and automated services, modular construction methods and creative ways to lock in existing embodied carbon are helping the industry reduce its carbon footprint. To accelerate the drive to net zero in dense urban environments, we need to minimize the need for new buildings and assess how existing buildings can be modified to be more sustainable, habitable and affordable.”

- This is a press release from The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat-