Speaker session in progress at the 2016 edition of the Smart Skyscrapers Summit.

The Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017 Edition Set to Begin in Two Weeks

WEDNESDAY APRIL 19, 2017

Pushing the boundaries and reinventing new concepts in skyscraper construction has given Dubai the coveted title of being the hub of skyscraper development. Against this backdrop, the 4th Annual Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017, supported by Etihad ESCO will be held on 3rd and 4th May 2017 at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa.

Over 20 regional and international industry experts will participate as speakers at the summit. Dr. Andy Davids, Technical Director & Global Leader - Tall Buildings, Aurecon Engineering International will deliver a keynote presentation on the first day of the summit. Presenting on the latest trends and technological developments in innovative skyscraper construction will be Paul Drayton, Head of Structures - UAE, AECOM and Benjamin Piper, Partner, Design Principal, Killa Architectural Design who will deliver 20 minute presentations on some important considerations for structural design of tall towers in UAE and the world’s first fully functional and permanently occupied 3D printed building in Dubai, UAE.

Dr. David Fisher, Founder and Chairman, Dynamic Architecture Group, well known for designing the Dynamic Tower, also known as the world’s first rotating skyscraper will also deliver a keynote presentation on Dynamic Towers: Skyscrapers, and building in general, should express logic, feasibility and sustainability. “Rather than beautiful, there should be logic, making construction easier, faster, which could easily be achieved if buildings are produced through an industrial process and completely off-site. If the towers in motion express a great design and may be iconic, it is mainly as they are so simple to build.”, he opined.

Abhishek Chhabra, Business Development, Thomas Bell-Wright; Bashar M Kassab, Director - Hard FM, Emaar Group and Bas Degeling, Director - New Equipment Business, Middle East and Africa, KONE are other notable speakers focusing on topics ranging from achieving fire safety for cladding systems in high rise buildings, digital FM and enhancing construction efficiency and safety with self-climbing elevators.

Mr. Brad Hariharan, Regional Director, Expotrade Middle East, said, “The summit in its fourth year will be the biggest and most impactful, hosting several subject matter experts and visionaries who will provide first hand insights into the innovative and exemplary projects undertaken in the region and across the world. We are extremely proud to bring together some of the most sought after experts, thereby adding significant expertise and value to our event.”

Premium sponsors KONE, MMFX Steel, Geoscope, Kinemetrics, Scott Bader, GE Performance Coatings, Thomas Bell-Wright and Carlo Gavazzi will display their solutions at the summit. The networking lounge will see Kin Long, Dow Corning, DencoHappel, ALS Logistic Solutions, JENSEN HUGHES and Fujairah Rockwool Factory amongst many others showcase their products and offerings to over 400 senior architects, designers, engineers, urban planners, facility managers, developers & contractors from the Middle East region.

Speaking about his expectations from the summit, Dr. Fisher, further added, “I aim to have a professional confrontation, and mainly learn from questions, from answers, experience and ideas of the various participants.”

More information on the summit is available at http://www.smartskyscrapers.com/. Follow the Summit on social media with the hashtag #SKYSUM2017.