The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) conference theme this year, “From the Ground Up: Tall Buildings and City-Making,” explores the multifaceted approaches required to grow and transform cities, emphasizing that meaningful urban development transcends physical structures.
It involves not only the creation of towering buildings and efficient transportation systems, but also the nurturing of social and cultural networks that bind together people, institutions, and businesses together, shaping a city’s unique identity and character.
On October 7, 2025, from 1:45–3:15 PM, Principal Don Schmitt will participate in “Canadian Cities in Motion: Building Communities Through TODs”. This session will highlight how major transit-oriented development projects across Canada are redefining how cities grow—vertically, sustainably, and with community at the core. These projects integrate tall buildings, green infrastructure, and multimodal connectivity to create vibrant, livable urban neighborhoods rooted in place and purpose.
Don will present “The Pivotal Role of Tall Buildings in a New Urban Neighborhood,” showcasing the SmartVMC project. This mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood features tall residential and office buildings that seamlessly connect to transit. Centered around 18 acres (7.2 ha) of green space and a community hub, the project set a new standard for urban placemaking, fostering connection, collaboration, and amenities within a well-designed, vibrant community
Learn more and view the full schedule here: https://ctbuhconference.com/full-schedule/
