Birmingham is to host a major international conference on the relevance of tall buildings in the 21st century.
City council leader Mike Whitby has invited 25 architects with specialist knowledge in the construction of skyscrapers to discuss how high-rise structures can complement modern cities.
The majority of the architects taking part in the conference, at the International Convention Centre next June, are from Birmingham's sister city Chicago.
Coun Whitby ( Con Harborne) said: "Chicago is a classic example of how tall buildings can enhance a city's international reputation. There are a range of tall buildings but they do not dominate.
"It is a question of subtlety and sophistication of design."
The conference will examine ways of making tall buildings both architecturally and economically desirable in the post-September 11 world.
Plans for a 56-storey skyscraper on the Arena Central development, off Broad Street, were scaled down following the terrorist attacks on New York.
Negotiations between Arena Central developers and the council about the appropriate scale of building are continuing.
Three years ago the council adopted new planning guidelines on tall buildings, limiting new developments to 120 metres.
The Beetham Tower at Holloway Circus, soon to be completed, is 38 storeys.
