And not a moment too soon, say international experts. Cityscapes may be the hottest new thing in branding world cities as places of business, prosperity and growth. After all, instantly-identifiable skylines reinforce city brands and enhance their appeal to both domestic and global users.

“Cities that are on a roll do seek to re-image themselves, in a way that reflects their position and success,” explains Alastair Collins, CEO of Davis Langdon’s global board. “Cities often use their skylines as signposts to their brand.”

After all, in high-demand office districts, often the only way to build is up.

“In a growth market, demand needs to be met by vertical supply,” says Collins.

South Africa’s major cities and their populations need to ensure that, during boom times, the searing pace of demand and development must create the best possible urban legacy, argues Collins. To do this, cities need to cultivate what he calls 360-degree thinking.

But the idea of skylines as branding tools is still being hotly debated in the global arena, and it’s time for South African cities to weigh in with their own views.

It’s a debate that power pair Collins and compatriot Richard Kauntze, CEO of the British Council for Offices, will explore in the South African context.

And they will do it by facilitating a session at the annual SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association) Convention, the key meeting-place for players in the South African commercial and industrial property marketplace. Collins and Kauntze will share lessons from fast-growth world cities like London and Dublin - which use their skyscapes as a competitive advantage – to provide fodder for local discussion.

The SAPOA Convention is scheduled this year from 17-19 May 2006 at the International Convention Centre in Durban’s vibrant downtown.

“It’s the 360-degree view that we’ll focus on – so that the essentials for city building are shared and not viewed from too narrow a commercial or protective perspective,” adds Collins.

Issued on behalf of:   SAPOA
     CEO: Neil Gopal
     T.  011 883 0679

By:     Marketing Concepts
     Sandy Davey
T. 011 783 0700
C. 083 453 6668