Creating welcoming, people-focused environments around tall buildings can deliver both commercial and social benefits as cities respond to changing demands, according to Toby Blunt, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners.
As space becomes increasingly constrained in cities, tall buildings are becoming an important part of the urban landscape. However, their success should not be measured by height and density alone.
Speaking to Tall Buildings Media at the Tall Buildings London Summit 2026, Toby Blunt highlighted the importance of considering the human experience of tall buildings and how they interact with the surrounding urban environment.
He believes that as cities of all sizes look towards taller development, designers must ensure that the needs of people living, working and moving through these places remain central to the design process.
The quality of the public realm and the spaces surrounding buildings can have a significant influence on how developments are used and experienced.
Blunt also highlighted the commercial and social benefits of creating attractive, welcoming environments. Buildings that encourage people to spend time in them can become destinations in their own right, while better-designed workplaces may help address the ongoing challenge of encouraging employees back into the office following the Covid pandemic.
Rather than creating places people feel they have to visit, he believes the industry should be designing environments that people actively enjoy using.
Reflecting on the Summit, Blunt also discussed the value of sharing ideas and learning how other architects, developers and engineers are responding to common challenges.
He highlighted sustainability, carbon reduction and the growing influence of artificial intelligence as important issues shaping the future of the built environment.
Watch the full interview with Toby Blunt here.
