Tall Building Forum discusses future of urban living

The event was supported by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, brought together stakeholders from the construction industry and Government, as well as policymakers who were keen to discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable urban development in Vietnam.

The country’s rapidly growing cities face a critical challenge of balancing rapid growth with environmental stewardship. The Tall Building Forum confronted this challenge head-on, fostering a vibrant dialogue focusing on technologies and strategies aimed at ensuring that Vietnamese urban expansion is not only robust but also responsible.

In his opening address, Dominik Meichle, chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, championed international collaboration as a cornerstone to achieving these goals. "This forum represents a unique opportunity for Vietnam and Team Europe to come together to reimagine our cities. By working together, we can construct urban environments that are not only more impressive, but also more environmentally conscious,” he said.

This sentiment was echoed by Michel Cassagnes, chairman of EuroCham's Construction Sector Committee, who emphasised the shared responsibility for sustainable development, noting, "The future of our cities depends on our collective commitment to building smarter, not just bigger.”

He went on to praise the forum for paving the way for "approaches that benefit both our economies and our environment.”

He pointed out that numerous Government and industry leaders, including from The Global City, had enriched the discussion with their insights on cutting-edge technologies, sustainable building materials, and innovative design strategies. They largely concentrated on tackling pressing issues such as integrating high-rise buildings into existing urban landscapes, ensuring affordability and inclusivity, and minimising the environmental impact of tall buildings.

The commitment to sustainable urban development extends beyond the nation’s borders. In addition, EuroCham Cambodia will carry this momentum forward by hosting the 2024 edition of its established forum in Phnom Penh on 30 May, underlining the European business community's ongoing dedication to responsible growth and innovation across Southeast Asia, he added.

Meanwhile, Martin Brisson, executive director of EuroCham Cambodia, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming forum, stating that "We are excited to host the Tall Building Forum once again, this time with our partners at EuroCham Vietnam. We will explore the importance of sustainability in modern construction, the regulatory environment for tall buildings, and the prospect of affordable tall buildings in the future.”

“We are also proud to be showcasing some of the finest work of Cambodia’s architectural students, who will display their designs at the forum as part of the Tall Building Design Competition," he stressed.