Assemblies & Committees
As a member of the Council on Vertical Urbanism, you can collaborate with experts across disciplines by joining a technical assembly or committee.
Assemblies are member-driven umbrella subject groups that meet to research the latest information, practices, and perspectives across disciplines and topics. These assemblies can contain individual committees, and share their expertise through educational programming, research publications, journal articles, and peer review participation.
Technical Assemblies
Academic
Architecture
This assembly brings together architects and designers to explore innovative approaches to shaping the built environment. Members focus on pushing the boundaries of design, integrating aesthetics with functionality, sustainability, and user experience to create transformative architectural solutions.
Construction
This assembly unites construction experts to share advancements in safety, delivery methods, and contractor activity. Members focus on defining best practices and objective standards for construction, with an emphasis on improving industry outcomes through innovation and rigorous quality control.
Chair: Mark Borland
Vice-Chair: Jon Croxford
Cost
Focusing on the economics of tall buildings, this assembly addresses the challenges of value, cost control, and the impacts of inflation. Through collaborative efforts, this group aims to identify key parameters for cost efficiency while ensuring the financial feasibility of building projects.
Chair: Jeremy Mayhew
Vice-Chair: Chris Lalies
Developer
This assembly unites developers, investors, and project managers to discuss the evolving landscape of real estate development. This group addresses the key challenges of project feasibility, market trends, and sustainable growth, collaborating on strategies to bring visionary developments from concept to completion.
Chair: Jeff Spiritos
Vice-Chair: Tengku Dato Mahmud
Engineering
This assembly connects professionals from diverse engineering disciplines to share knowledge on building systems, structural integrity, and technological innovations. Members work together to tackle the technical challenges of modern construction, ensuring that projects are not only feasible but also safe, efficient, and sustainable.
Chair: Roy Denoon
Vice-Chair: Luke Leung
Global In-house Counsel
Materials
This assembly examines the latest strategies for achieving carbon-neutral buildings through material innovation. Members focus on developing materials that support sustainability while ensuring durability, flexibility, and environmental neutrality in construction.
Chair: Joseph Dardis
Smart Technology
This assembly explores the intersection of smart technologies and the built environment, with a focus on creating smarter, more sustainable buildings and cities. Members discuss advancements in artificial intelligence, user interaction, and urban infrastructure, aiming to leverage technology to achieve new levels of efficiency and sustainability.
Chair: Ilkay C Standard
Sustainability
The Sustainability Assembly brings together specialists in engineering and sustainability to discuss strategies for improving energy efficiency and long-term building performance. This committee works to identify cutting-edge solutions for reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability throughout a building's lifecycle.
Chair: Stefan Abidin
Urban Habitat
This assembly examines the relationship between tall buildings and their urban surroundings, focusing on how buildings impact the ground level and wider community. Through presentations and curated discussions, this committee explores best practices and strategies for measuring a building's urban impact.
Chair: James Parakh
Vice-Chair: Manuela Belova
Committees
CVU Committees encourage new subtopics within their assemblies, and may be formed at any time based on member interest. They meet to research the latest information, practices, and perspectives across disciplines and topics.
Adaptive Reuse
Assembly: Sustainability
The Adaptive Reuse Committee brings together industry professionals to explore the potential of repurposing existing buildings as a sustainable and cost-effective approach to development. This group focuses on the intersection of climate goals, commercial redevelopment, and housing solutions, creating a platform for innovative strategies in adaptive reuse.
Chair: John Tessem
Vice-Chair: Manuela Belova
Façade
Assembly: Engineering
This committee focuses on innovation in façade design and construction, aiming to balance aesthetics with optimal performance. Members collaborate to identify the key parameters that ensure façades meet both visual and functional goals, enhancing building efficiency and beauty.
Chair: Mikkel K Kragh
Vice-Chair: Beres Dowdle
Fire & Life Safety
Assembly: Engineering
Bringing together international fire experts, the Fire & Life Safety Committee explores evacuation strategies, risk management, and legislative updates. This committee engages in discussions around design, safety standards, and insurance considerations, ensuring that fire and life safety remains a critical focus in the built environment.
Chair: Cristian Maluk
Vice-Chair: Tony Ryan
MEP Systems
Assembly: Engineering
The MEP Systems Committee brings together experts in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering to discuss the latest advancements and best practices in building systems design and integration. Members focus on ensuring that MEP systems are efficient, sustainable, and resilient, driving innovation to meet the growing demands of modern buildings.
Co-Chair: Mehdi Jalayerian
Co-Chair: Tyler Jensen
Vertical Transportation
Assembly: Engineering
The VT Committee focuses on the latest innovations in vertical and horizontal transport systems within buildings. Members collaborate to establish performance parameters and best practices for mobility solutions, enhancing both user experience and system efficiency in built environments.
Chair: Alan Cronin
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