Since the invention of the elevator and modern framed building construction, tall buildings have increasingly been developed in number and in height. In some places very high buildings have become the norm rather than the exception.

Nevertheless, the construction of high rise developments and skyscrapers remains a strongly debated question, especially in the context of established centres of environmental and historic importance. The issues in these places are never simple, although they are often polarised around the feared adverse effects on views and panoramas, pressure on local public services, transport and environment, and the economic benefits of iconic new centres of commerce and life.

Hong Kong is one of the outstanding international examples of the dominant use of tall buildings, where it has enabled much of the islands beautiful natural environment to be conserved. In fact only a relatively small proportion of Hong Kong Island is densely developed. There the tall buildings and integrated public transport enable the city to work while much of the island is protected from intrusive development.

Malta has increasingly seen proposals for new tall buildings and that pressure might be expected to continue, especially considering the strategic benefits that the islands offer and the limited land area available.

A danger in this is that proposals are made rather randomly, potentially competing for the same users or markets, and possibly in poorly considered locations. In the worst case, an oversupply could occur. It is important therefore to consider carefully how to respond strategically to the challenges and to the opportunities that these initiatives can present.

One particular opportunity deserves a special mention, as it is often the least considered or realised. This is the potential for environmental improvements that are 'off-site' from primary development proposals.

As beautifully illustrated in Hong Kong, it has been possible to maintain large parts of the islands in their natural form by keeping them free from development. There the choice to allow development to reach for the skies has been accompanied by a strong commitment to keep a tight rein on urban expansion into the natural landscape. This strategic position has been especially important for the small islands of Hong Kong.

Thus a framework which can limit or reduce urban development areas is important. And, if this framework also links the consideration of new development to environmental restorations in other areas, it can also have significant benefits by removing intrusive and outworn developments from other places and in restoring areas of environmental and historic value.

David Chapman

Professor of Planning and Development

Birmingham City University