First published in 2000, this volume explores how Asia has developed very rapidly in the last quarter of the century and will be a main focus of the world in the 21st century. With rapid growth and development, the urban areas in the region are undergoing dramatic changes. An appreciation of the heterogeneous nature of Asian cities and the related planning practices in the first step to understand various urban development problems in the region. This book is a consolidated effort by prominent scholars in Asian planning schools to explore urban development and planning practices in Asia. The book reflects on and examines some of the past and current challenges, and considers future prospects of urban and regional planning, environment, housing, redevelopment and conservation, and planning education in Asia. This book should be useful to students, teachers, researchers, professionals and people who are interested in urban development, planning and environment in Asia.