Today, a 'new alliance' is being forged between designers and commercial property developers who are championing progressive design, in projects as diverse as apartment blocks, houses, hotels and offices.

While some architects are taking a proactive role in property development, other firms are hammering out a new position for themselves as designer-developers. Simultaneously, property developers are starting to recognise the added value that an architect can bring to a project in terms of planning, design quality and creativity.

This issue takes a truly international look at the...