White Paper – ADF in Association with Valcan

The future of tall buildings is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by new safety regulations, shifting commercial priorities, and growing demands for sustainable urban development. While more architects are now engaging in high-rise projects compared to 2021, the landscape has become increasingly complex. The Building Safety Act, Gateway regime, and Golden Thread have introduced greater accountability for designers, slowing some residential schemes. Meanwhile, rising costs, climate pressures, and the need for clearer regulatory guidance continue to shape whether tall buildings remain commercially viable.

At the same time, the global conversation around height is evolving toward vertical urbanism - an approach championed by the newly renamed Council on Vertical Urbanism. This vision prioritises connected, mixed-use, climate-conscious urban ecosystems over isolated towers. Exemplary projects like Brussels’ ZIN In No(o)rd showcase how retrofitted, mixed-use vertical environments can deliver social value, sustainability, and integration with existing city fabric, signalling a shift from “tall above all” toward quality, liveability, and community impact.

This white paper, produced by Architects' Datafile (ADF) Magazine in association with Valcan, explores how architects are navigating this transition - from adapting to mixed - use demand to managing the challenges of the new safety regime and assessing the commercial case for vertical development.

It reveals an industry that still sees potential in tall buildings - especially where land values are high and mixed-use models offer resilience - but is increasingly steering toward sustainable, community-focused vertical ecosystems.

Download the full report for free:
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