# Space Efficiency of Tall Buildings in Singapore
## 5 Discussion
For example, regulations might promote the use of vertical transportation technologies, such as double-deck elevators, that reduce core area requirements, thereby increasing the net usable space [115; 116; 117]. In contrast, other regions, such as Turkey, the Middle East, and North America, have different environmental challenges, regulatory landscapes, and design priorities, which can lead to higher core-to-GFA ratios and lower overall space efficiencies. For instance, in seismic-prone areas like Turkey, the structural design might prioritize seismic resilience, which can require larger core areas and more substantial structural elements, reducing space efficiency. Similarly, in North America, the setback forms of skyscrapers are often used to comply with zoning laws and aesthetic guidelines, which can impact the overall space utilization. These regional differences underscore the importance of tailoring architectural and structural design strategies to local contexts. In Singapore, the focus on high space efficiency is driven by the need to maximize usable space in a highly urbanized setting, balancing structural integrity with innovative design to optimize every square meter. This approach reflects a broader trend in urban development towards more sustainable, efficient, and adaptable building practices that respond to the unique challenges and opportunities of their environments. While this study focuses on space efficiency in Singaporeian high-rise buildings, its findings have broader implications for cities with varying geographic, regulatory, and cultural contexts. Singapore's strategies--such as the use of central core layouts, prismatic building forms, and concrete shear-walled frame systems--effectively address the spatial and environmental challenges of a dense urban environment. These principles, however, can be adapted for other high-density cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and New York, where similar constraints such as limited land availability and high population density exist. The average spatial efficiency of 80% and core-to-GFA ratio of 17%, identified in this study,serve as valuable benchmarks for architects and urban planners globally. Although local building regulations and cultural preferences may differ, the core principles of optimizing usable space through efficient design and structural systems can be universally applied. By adjusting Singapore's strategies to meet local requirements and conditions, other cities can adopt these principles to improve the space efficiency of their high-rise buildings. Expanding on the adaptability of these findings to different global contexts enhances the relevance and applicability of the study, providing a flexible framework for high-rise design worldwide. For future studies, a valuable research direction would be to conduct a detailed comparative analysis of space utilization between Singapore's high-rise buildings and those in other high-density urban centers, such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. These cities face similar challenges, including limited land availability, high population density, and stringent environmental constraints, yet they may approach architectural, engineering, and design solutions differently due to their unique cultural, regulatory, and environmental contexts. By comparing key metrics such as NFA to GFA ratios, core-to-GFA ratios, and the use of various structural systems, future research could uncover distinct strategies that influence space efficiency across these regions. Such comparisons would broaden the relevance and applicability of the current findings, providing a more global perspective on high-rise design and offering valuable insights for architects and urban planners facing similar constraints in different parts of the world. Another valuable area for exploration is a longitudinal study on space utilization trends in Singapore's high-rise buildings.