Architecture and urban design for sustainable cities.
As seen in:
“Architect, urban designer, and educator Stefan Al integrates sustainability into design practice to meet the practical challenges of contemporary cities.”
Books
Stefan Al has authored or edited nine books that confront the urgent questions facing modern cities—how to build at extreme density, achieve true sustainability, and create climate resilience. His work bridges academic rigor and real-world application, earning recognition from scholarly journals to mainstream media, and shaping how architects, planners, and policymakers approach urban transformation.
“A thoughtful inquiry into the new generations of skyscrapers"
—The New York Times
“A refreshingly grounded design approach”
—Journal of Planning Education and Research
”Convincingly reinforces the links between sustainable cities and economic performance”
—National Urban Design Awards
Silver Medal, Independent Publisher Book Awards
Projects
From skyline icons to climate prototypes, Stefan’s portfolio spans master-planned districts, high-rise towers and cultural buildings.
Highlights include design work on the 2,000-foot Canton Tower (while at Information Based Architecture) —briefly the world’s tallest—and mixed-use plans that knit housing, office, transit, and public space into one low-carbon urban fabric.
Architectural Design
Urban Design
Previous Experience
Keynote speaking
Stefan Al delivers keynote presentations that transform how audiences understand cities, sustainability, and the future of urban design. From TED stages to the Smithsonian, he translates complex urban challenges into actionable insights for architects, planners, business leaders, and policymakers. As a TED Resident and author of nine books, he brings research-backed perspectives on supertall buildings, climate resilience, and density to organizations worldwide.
“A thoughtful and dynamic presenter who perfectly balances academic insight with broad public appeal.”
Featured TED Talk: “Re-imagining Parking in an Autonomous Future”
POPULAR SPEAKING TOPICS
- The Future of Supertall Buildings
- Designing Cities for Climate Resilience
- Adapting to Sea Level Rise -
- Autonomous Vehicles & Urban Planning
- The Evolution of Las Vegas Architecture
- High-Density Development & Sustainability
Explore additional keynotes and topics on Stefan’s Speaking page
About
Stefan Al, PhD RA LEED is an architect, urban designer, and author focused on sustainable, people-centered buildings and cities. He directs the Urban Planning program at CUNY Hunter College and has advised planning agencies on high‑density development and climate resilience. His project experience includes design work on the 2000-feet tall Canton Tower, briefly the world’s tallest tower. A TED Resident and Green Good Design laureate, his nine books—including Supertall —have appeared in the New York Times and on CNN.
Quick facts
Licensed architect — NY & NL
LEED Accredited Professional
15+ years on high-rise & masterplan projects
Frequent media guest such as on Science Channel, CBS & NPR
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