Future-ready architecture 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.”

Contact Stefan

Books

Stefan Al has authored or edited nine books that examine the design challenges of contemporary cities—from extreme density to sustainable urbanism and climate resilience. Praised in leading academic journals, cited in international media, and honored with distinctions such as Outstanding Academic Title and the Independent Publisher Book Award, several of these volumes have become references for architects, planners, and policy‑makers worldwide.

“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.

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. 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