By doing these things, there is a missed opportunity to complement the local culture. This, coupled with a lack of investment and design focus on the ground level, means that high quality, distinctive and accessible public realm is often not created.

Tall buildings address the need for density, which is highly important in Asia due to the rapid pace of urbanisation. It is essential to get these buildings right. Because of their scale they heavily impact on the local area from a visual standpoint and often become symbols of our cities.

These public spaces are an essential part of identity. Unfortunately, we see instances where what is considered as public space is moved inside the building, for example in the form of a viewing deck or sky garden. This often replaces existing space in the city and access can be easily restricted, through opening times or entry fees.

It happens at ground level too, where building owners have the legal rights over the land at the base of their tower. They can then influence things like the activities that are allowed in the space and the routes people can move around the city, through enforcement if necessary. Because of this, these spaces are not public in the true sense of the word and the building becomes disconnected from the community.

Detailed research, community engagement, a robust planning policy and a strong relationship with the client can all help with the creation of distinctive environments.