INSIGHT | PLANNING UNDERGROUND


STAKEHOLDER DYNAMICS IN UNDERGROUND SPACE


Multitudes of challenges and opportunities present when navigating stakeholder dynamics in urban development - and are discussed by Mahak Agrawal, Founder of All Bits Count and a Steering Board Member (Urban Adaptation) of the ITA Committee on Underground Space (ITACUS)


The underground is a frontier with immense potential for addressing urban challenges, yet its development is fraught with complexities that demand technical finesse and strategic collaboration. For architects, planners, engineers, and designers, understanding the intricacies of subterranean spaces is not just an advantage—it’s essential for creating and managing resilient and functional cities. In cities like New York, Singapore, and Helsinki,


underground developments have transformed urban landscapes. The New York subway system and the Oculus transportation hub exemplify the integration of functionality and design, creating spaces that serve millions while offering architectural inspiration. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands development showcases how underground spaces can combine


infrastructure with high-end retail and leisure, optimising land use in one of the world’s densest cities. Meanwhile, Helsinki’s Underground Master Plan


demonstrates foresight by strategically allocating subterranean zones for utilities, parking, and recreational facilities, preserving surface areas for green spaces and pedestrian use. However, the success of these projects hinges


on resolving a triad of challenges: stakeholder management; multi-use design; and, competition for limited underground space.


THE CASE FOR UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT Urbanisation, climate adaptation, and land scarcity are driving cities below ground. Here’s why:


Above: Oculus, New York IMAGES COURTESY OF MAHAK AGRAWAL (2024) 36 | February 2025


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