Last month, SOM Design Partner Scott Duncan delivered “Flirting with Gravity #2: Beyond Altitudes,” a presentation organized by the Design Management Division (DMD) and Sunjin Vietnam at the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering. 

Part of an ongoing lecture series exploring the future of vertical urbanism, this second edition convened more than 600 architecture and construction professionals, academics, and students from leading universities and practices across Hanoi.

Duncan’s presentation addressed how the field of tall building design is changing today, drawing examples from a global portfolio of transformative projects, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, One World Trade Center in New York, Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai, and recent research on gravity energy storage systems. He discussed advances in structural and material innovation, strategies for environmental performance and urban resilience, and SOM’s ongoing commitment to lighter, low-carbon construction. Duncan also shared insights into how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are reshaping design processes and expanding the possibilities for future cities.

Duncan’s insights prompted thoughtful audience questions, highlighting the curiosity and engagement of a new generation of designers eager to rethink the future of urban living.