High Density | High Quality: Achieving Sustained Growth and Affordability
European cities are recognized for their intrinsic quality resulting from a mix of culture, climate, history, cuisine, etc. Economic growth and densification trends are stressing the equilibrium of forces that have historically defined quality of life, a “must-have” for European societies that seek social equality and affordable quality for all. Madrid is capital of Spain, the country with fastest growing economy in Europe, thanks to a mix of immigration, low energy costs, intelligent use of post-pandemic European Union subsidies, and a young and dynamic population. Questions city-makers are asking here echo elsewhere, and will be focal points of the 2026 Europe Conference, 5-7 May:
What type of densification provides the ideal balance between affordability, construction quality and urban value?
How can the vertical urbanism industry provide world-class buildings to attract global business, yet preserve the economic ecosystem of medium-scale businesses that characterize European countries?
Can European cities compete at the global scale without compromising on the ambitious environmental agenda dictated by climate change?
How can European urban heritage be preserved, yet inspire new development?
