this book is the first of its kind to examine the design and use of public space such as streets, squares, and parks in the cities of contemporary asia pacific, which has experienced the fastest urban and economic growth in the world during the past three decades. this collection of eighteen essays, all written by experts in their own fields, provides timely and first-hand reports on the unique characteristics of asia pacific public places (as compared to those in western cities), current problems and debates, and newly proposed design/planning solutions. the discussions cover all important aspects of the subject matter, such as the creation of indigenous identity amid the tide of globalization; the search for design/planning strategies to address high density, mobility, sustainability, and other functional issues; and the proper roles of the government, local community, and privatization in the development of public space. audience: filled with case studies and illustrated with some 250 drawings and photographs, the publication is a necessary research and learning tool for architects, planners, public administrators, developers, and everyone involved in the making of public places. the volume also provides rich material for scholars and students of other disciplines related to asia pacific cities.