Love it or hate it, Washington’s Height Act was instrumental in shaping an unmistakable skyline. Can the Act coexist with the contemporary architecture, density, and sustainable policies of modern times? Join self-described evangelist for urban density Larry Beasley, Vancouver's former Planning Director, as he challenges our assumptions about density and the form of the city in the 21st century.

Mr. Beasley, one of the world’s top urban planners, is current special adviser to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and former director of the Vancouver Planning Department. He helped establish the City of Vancouver as one of the most livable cities in the world. In 1996, the United Nations honored Beasley’s work among the “World’s 100 Best Planning Practices.” The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada presented him with the 2003 Medal of Excellence as Advocate for Architecture. In 2004, Beasley was appointed a member of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest honor for lifetime achievement. He is a distinguished practice professor of planning at the University of British Columbia, founding principal of Beasley and Associates, an international planning consultancy.