Stefan Al is a sought-after speaker on sustainable urbanism, high-density development, and climate resilience. He has presented at TED (where he was a TED Resident), the United Nations, the Smithsonian, and the American Institute of Architects, translating complex urban challenges for audiences of architects, planners, business leaders, and policymakers.

Drawing on his research and ten books, his presentations address topics including supertall buildings, climate adaptation, and the future of cities.

For speaking inquiries, contact info@stefanal.com

 
 

Popular Speaking Topics

  • Supertall Buildings and the Future of Cities

  • Climate Resilience and Sea Level Rise

  • High-Density Sustainable Development

Custom topics and presentations tailored to your audience available upon request. Past presentations have also covered topics including autonomous vehicles and urban planning, the architecture of Las Vegas, the evolution of retail spaces, urban design in Asia, and the future of parking.

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A thoughtful and dynamic presenter who perfectly balances academic insight with broad public appeal.
— Carol Willis, Founder & Director, The Skyscraper Museum
His ability to bring complex, multi-faceted topics to a common understanding is a rare quality that engages and excites.
— Aaron Berger, Executive Director, The Neon Museum

Stefan has given keynote speeches and presentation to audiences including:

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TED & TED Ed

Stefan was selected as a TED Resident and has presented talks on the future of cities and buildings at TED and TEDx events. As an educator for TED-Ed, he helped create animated educational videos that have collectively reached millions of viewers, translating complex urban design and engineering concepts for global audiences.

Featured Videos

The future of parking spaces

Why cities need trees

Could we build a wooden skyscraper?

Will there ever be a mile-high skyscraper?

Why isn't the Netherlands underwater?

Reinventing cities with timber

 
 

Media Expertise

Stefan regularly provides expert commentary on urbanism and architecture for major media outlets including CNN, NPR, CBS, and the Science Channel.

Featured Appearances

  • CNN's "The Next Frontier" - Sustainable skyscrapers

  • Science Channel - Engineering challenges of supertalls (helicopter segment)

    View All Media Coverage

 

Excerpt from CNN, The Next Frontier, focused on new sustainable skyscrapers

Excerpt from The Science Channel, focused on the engineering challenges of supertalls

 

Speaking Information

 
 

Presentation Length: 20-60 minutes (customizable)
Format: Keynote, panel discussion, workshop
Topics: Sustainable urbanism, high-rise design, climate resilience, innovation and architecture
Audience: Architects, urban planners, developers, policymakers, general public
Location: Available for in-person and virtual presentations

 

Book Stefan for your event

For speaking engagements, conference presentations, or media interviews, please contact:

info@stefanal.com  
+1 917 727 4572

Typical response time: 2 business days