The Versatile Skyscraper of the Future

We’re beginning to see new efficiencies in the construction of tall buildings. What bold innovations are still to come that will optimize skyscraper performance and forever change our expectations of how these buildings work for us? Join us for the latest installment of our Building Tall lecture series, featuring partner Chan-Li Lin of Rafael Vinoly Architects, structural engineer Abdulmajid Karanouh of Drees & Sommer, and a senior designer with Gensler. This series, hosted by the CAC and the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), uncovers everything from the physics to the financials of how skyscrapers work.

Program Moderator: Lynn Osmond

Lynn Osmond assumed the position of President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF), in 1996. Osmond is responsible for overseeing CAC’s comprehensive program of architecture tours, exhibitions, public programs and youth education. Osmond is the founding chair of the Association ofArchitecture Organizations and serves on the boards of Choose Chicago, the Magnificent Mile, and the International Women’s Forum. She is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, the Chicago Network, and the Commercial Club, and among others. She is a certified docent for the CAC and a regular speaker on architecture and design.

Program Speaker: Abdulmajid Karanouh

Abdulmajid Karanouh is a leading interdisciplinary design and high-tech built environment specialist with a background in architecture, computation and engineering. He has worked on a range of record-breaking and award-winning projects around the world, including the innovative Al-Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi, which are known for their energy-efficient geometry. Karanouh currently leads the Interdisciplinary Design and Research Group at Drees & Sommer, where he develops context-inspired masterplans and building solutions.

Program Speaker: Stephen Katz

Based in Gensler's Chicago office, Katz serves as a Technical Director for the firm's North Central Region. As a leader in the Office Buildings Practice Area at Gensler, He's held strategic positions on award-winning projects including the Willis Tower Redevelopment project. He's also a founding member of Gensler Enclosures; a group dedicated to innovation and research for building enclosure design. From 2004 to 2012, Katz was a Lieutenant in the US Naval Reserves, serving as an officer in the Civil Engineer Corps. He was deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Program Speaker: Chan-Li Lin

Chan-li Lin is a partner at Rafael Viñoly Architects, where he has worked for more than 27 years. His portfolio includes a wide range of projects for universities, municipalities and private clients in the U.S., the Netherlands and Japan. Lin has led teams in design competitions that resulted in firm commissions, including the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh and the Hills at Vallco mixed-use development in Cupertino, California. He is currently serving as project director for NEMAChicago and the new Stanford Hospital and splits his time between Chicago, California and New York, overseeing project teams in all locations. Lin received a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Notes:

• Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center on the day of the event. View the CAC's hours.
• Discounted tickets are available with a valid student ID for $12 at the CAC Box Office.
• CTBUH members are invited to call the CAC Box Office (312) 922.8687 to register for the program at the member ticket price.

Program Partners