APDesign In the News
APDesign Presents Fall Ekdahl Lecture Series Symposium:“From Skyline to Streetlife: Performance and Public Engagement in Tall Buildings”
Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning & Design (APDesign) invites students, faculty, professionals, and the public to the Fall Ekdahl Lecture Series Symposium, From Skyline to Streetlife: Performance and Public Engagement in Tall Buildings, on Wednesday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. in Regnier Forum, Regnier Hall.
This afternoon event will explore how tall building design is evolving to balance bold vision with human-scale experience. The symposium brings together two internationally recognized design leaders whose work is reshaping city skylines and redefining how buildings engage with people at street level.
At 2:00 p.m., Gordon Gill, FAIA, founding partner of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), will present “From Skyline to Streetlife: Performance and Public Engagement in Tall Buildings.” Gill’s lecture will examine the evolution of tall, supertall, and megatall buildings over the last two decades, including groundbreaking projects such as Pearl River Tower, Masdar Headquarters, Jeddah Tower, and Al Wasl Plaza. His work demonstrates how performance-based design can influence the way cities adapt to technology, sustainability, and human experience.
At 3:15 p.m., Michael Townsend, AIA, LEED AP, Principal and Design Director at Gensler and K-State alumnus ‘06, will present “Reimagining an Icon: Willis Tower & the Evolution of the Chicago Streetscape.” Townsend will highlight how the revitalization of Chicago’s Willis Tower transformed a global icon into a vibrant public destination through active retail, landscaped green spaces, public art, and pedestrian connectivity. His talk underscores how reimagined urban spaces can foster community, pride, and connection.
Following the lectures, a moderated discussion at 4:30 p.m. will be led by Michael Friebele, Associate Principal at Perkins Eastman and K-State alumnus ‘09, offering attendees a chance to engage with the speakers and explore the future of tall building design.
“This symposium brings together two distinct but complementary perspectives — one pushing the boundaries of new tall building design and performance, the other rethinking and reinvigorating an iconic urban landmark,” said Michael McClure, Dean of APDesign. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our students and community to hear directly from leaders shaping the cities of tomorrow.”
The Fall Ekdahl Lecture Series Symposium is free and open to the public.
About the Ekdahl Lecture Series
Since its establishment in 1974, the Ekdahl Lecture Series has been a prominent feature of APDesign’s public programming, attracting leading voices in architecture and design to Kansas State University. The series honors Oscar S. Ekdahl, whose passion for innovation continues to inspire new generations of architects and designers.
Event Details
What: APDesign Fall Ekdahl Lecture Series Symposium — From Skyline to Streetlife: Performance and Public Engagement in Tall Buildings
When: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 2:00–5:30 p.m.
Where: Regnier Forum, Regnier Hall, Kansas State University
Speakers: Gordon Gill, FAIA (AS+GG) & Michael Townsend, AIA, LEED AP (Gensler)
Moderator: Michael Friebele, Associate Principal, Perkins Eastman