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Flirting
With
Gravity

A lecture series on vertical density and high-performance supertall developments challenging the limits of architecture and structural engineering.

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TALK #02

BEYOND ALTITUDES

Megatall Buildings Sharing Innovation Series
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Why humanity continues to pursue structures that challenge natural forces. Architecture and Engineering at the Edge of Possibility.

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WHY NOW?
VIETNAM’S NEXT CHAPTER – LOOKING ABOVE THE CLOUDS

"As Vietnam continues its rapid urban transformation, the conversation is no longer solely about height."

he conversation is no longer only about building taller.
It is about how cities evolve. Around the world, extreme-scale projects have become testing grounds for new ideas about density, infrastructure, sustainability, mobility, and urban identity. As Vietnam enters a new phase of urban transformation, understanding the thinking behind these projects becomes increasingly relevant to the future of its cities. This lecture asks: What can Vietnam learn from the people and projects shaping some of the world's most ambitious built environments?

What can we learn from global leaders?

Scott Duncan
Guest Lecturer

Scott Duncan

Design Partner, SOM

Scott Duncan is a Design Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), where he leads the design of complex projects across North America, Asia, and the Middle East. His portfolio spans supertall buildings, mixed-use developments, cultural institutions, aviation, and advanced manufacturing facilities, with a strong emphasis on the integration of architecture, engineering, and urban systems.

"The intelligence and complexity of the natural world inspires and informs our ideas for new architecture. In our studios, we bring designers of all kinds together to explore how our work can take cues from nature, to be similarly intelligent and sophisticated."
  • Design Partner, SOM – Chicago — Leads the design of supertall buildings, mixed-use developments, aviation projects, and large-scale urban commissions across North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
  • Board of Trustees, Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) — Contributes to advancing international dialogue and research on the future of tall buildings and vertical urbanism.
  • Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) — Leads the flagship high-rise design studios within the world's first multidisciplinary advanced degree dedicated to tall buildings.
About

SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL (SOM)
| Visit SOM.com →

"We are a collective of architects, designers, engineers, and planners working together to build a better future."

Founded in Chicago in 1936, SOM is one of the world's leading integrated practices in architecture, engineering, urban planning, and design. For nearly nine decades, the firm has shaped some of the most influential buildings and urban projects of the modern era through a multidisciplinary approach that combines design excellence, structural innovation, and long-term urban thinking.

SOM is internationally recognized for pioneering many of the world's defining tall buildings, while receiving numerous honors from organizations such as the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the National Design Awards.

SOM Landmark Burj Khalifa
Highlighted Projects by SOM
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building and a landmark in structural engineering, redefining the possibilities of supertall architecture through integrated architecture, engineering, and urban planning.
Learn more
Burj Khalifa
Highlighted Projects by SOM
Cayan Tower
A residential tower recognized for its 90-degree twisting form, demonstrating how architectural expression and environmental performance can be integrated into high-rise design.
Learn more
Cayan Tower
Highlighted Projects by SOM
One World Trade Center
A mixed-use supertall tower balancing resilience, security, workplace innovation, and civic identity as the centerpiece of Lower Manhattan's redevelopment.
Learn more
One World Trade Center
Highlighted Projects by SOM
Guoco Tower
A mixed-use development in Singapore that integrates offices, residences, hospitality, and public spaces directly with the city's MRT network, exemplifying transit-oriented vertical urbanism.
Learn more
Guoco Tower

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE: Registration is required to attend this exclusive live keynote at Ho Guom Opera. Seats are capped to ensure high-quality discussion and networking.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE, LOCAL RELEVANCE

Together, Mustafa Chehabeddine and John Peronto represent two disciplines operating in continuous collaboration across extreme-scale developments.

Their lectures connect architectural vision and structural execution through real project experience — from vertical urbanism and contextual planning to wind engineering, constructability, systems integration, and high-performance building technologies.

Rather than focusing solely on completed towers as visual icons, the session examines the invisible coordination, experimentation, and interdisciplinary problem-solving required to realize projects at megatall scale.

Event Information

Talk #2
Beyond Altitudes
26th September, 2026
08:30 - 12:00
Location HO GUOM OPERA
40 Hang Bai, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi
Format Offline only
Language English with Vietnamese translation
Fee Free to the public
For Designed for architects, engineers, researchers, and professionals engaged in the built environment – and open to those interested in interdisciplinary thinking, cities, technology, and the future of vertical urbanism.
Available Slots 150

Register

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to pay a fee to attend the lecture?
The lecture is completely FREE of charge. However, registration is strictly required due to limited seating availability at Ho Guom Opera.
In what language will the lecture be presented?
The talk will be presented in English with simultaneous Vietnamese translation (and vice versa) to ensure maximum accessibility for all attendees.
Is the lecture recorded?
Yes, the lecture will be recorded and highlights/full recaps will be shared on our official communication and media partner channels after the event.
When will the lecture open for registration?
The FLIRTING WITH GRAVITY — TALK 01: ABOVE CLOUDS lecture is scheduled on 06 June 2026, from 08:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Grand Hall, Ho Guom Opera. Registration is currently open and will remain active until all 150 available slots are filled.

What is Flirting With Gravity?

The FLIRTING WITH GRAVITY dialogue series explores how architecture, engineering, and interdisciplinary collaboration converge in pursuit of humanity's most ambitious built environments.

Scheduled across 2026–2027, each event focuses on a distinct dimension of vertical urban development – from supertall buildings and structural innovation to infrastructure, culture, technology, and the future of cities.