The Future of Height Policy

About this event

Join us on LinkedIn Live: City Clusters of the Future – A Public Sector Forum to demystify height policy and break down the barriers around planning restrictions.

Working as an urban planner, architect or developer, understanding the possibilities—and limitations—of the built environment is crucial to successfully getting projects off the ground. This forum will explore not only the latest in height policies shaping our cities, but also how to approach this often gated information with confidence and clarity.

Why join? To better understand height policy is to set your projects up for success. Learning what’s possible from the past—and how it inspires the future—can be the key to building resilient, impactful spaces. Be part of this critical conversation, and gain the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.

Hosted by:
Fabrizio Matillana, Architect and Density Researcher, with published works in RIBA Journal, RTPI Urban Design Network, and Frontiers.

Keynote Speaker:
Tom Nancollas, Assistant Director (Design), leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for urban design and conservation in the City. Tom has overseen major projects, including the London Museum, 85 Grace Church Street, and the City’s Tall Buildings Evidence Base.

Agenda:

10:00 | Opening Remarks
Fabrizio Matillana outlines key issues:

How can planning authorities de-risk planning for height as part of planning reform to encourage development?
How are tall buildings policies created and implemented using modern tools in Pre-Application stages?
How can policy support effective development without stifling architectural creativity?
10:05 | Visualising Massing: A Historical Perspective
Fabrizio Matillana and Christopher Wandel explore how massing visualisation led to the 1920s Manhattan skyscraper boom. (5 minutes)

10:10 | Keynote Presentation: The Contours of the Eastern Cluster
Tom Nancollas discusses the recent launch of the world-first Contours policy, developed with the support of VU.CITY, and its role in shaping and protecting the Eastern Cluster.

10:25 | Emerging Urban Clusters
Panel discussion on emerging clusters in Liverpool, Manchester, and Greenwich, featuring all panelists.

10:35 | Q&A
Interactive session with the audience.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain insights from leading experts on urban design, tall building policy, and the future of planning reform!