INSIGHT | PLANNING UNDERGROUND
and technical expertise of public and private entities.
Such partnerships are instrumental in balancing diverse and often competing interests. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands development is a case in point, where the integration of public utilities, private retail, and transit systems created a seamless underground network that maximises utility and accessibility. The project’s success illustrates how collaboration can result in infrastructure that serves both public and commercial needs without compromising on design or functionality. Transparent communication is another critical
element in navigating stakeholder dynamics. Clear and consistent messaging builds public trust, alleviates concerns, and reduces resistance to large-scale projects. The revitalisation of New York’s subway system exemplifies this principle. Through community forums and regular updates, project leaders ensured public buy- in even amidst temporary inconveniences such as station closures and service disruptions. This transparency not only kept the public informed but also maintained confidence in the project’s broader goals. By integrating early engagement, cross-sector
collaboration, and transparent communication, subterranean developments can navigate the complexities of stakeholder dynamics, ensuring projects are not only technically sound but also socially supported and economically viable.
DESIGNING FOR MULTI-USE FUNCTIONALITY In dense urban areas, subterranean spaces must serve multiple purposes to maximise value and efficiency. This requires meticulous planning and advanced technical solutions. Key principles for multi-use design of underground space:
● Layered zoning: Allocate specific depths to particular uses—utilities at deeper levels, transport systems mid-level, and pedestrian or retail spaces closer to the surface. Example: The Kansai International Airport in Osaka incorporates underground baggage handling systems and flood mitigation infrastructure, freeing the surface for passenger terminals.
● Modular and adaptive spaces: Design spaces with future adaptability in mind, allowing reconfiguration as urban needs evolve. Helsinki’s underground subway stations are designed to double as emergency shelters, showcasing flexibility in function.
● Integrated smart systems: Use Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twins to optimise layouts, prevent clashes between systems, and monitor long-term performance. Example: Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation uses AI to synchronise train schedules, lighting, and air conditioning across its underground network, ensuring energy efficiency and user comfort.
RESOLVING COMPETITION FOR SPACE Subterranean space is finite and often crowded with legacy infrastructure like utility lines, foundations, and geological features. Effective management of this competition is critical to the success of underground projects.
Comprehensive subsurface mapping This is a critical first step in resolving these conflicts. Ground penetrating radar, LiDAR, and GIS technologies can create detailed inventories of underground assets, enabling informed decision-making. Rotterdam’s underground planning efforts, for example, rely on a
Above: Revitalisation of select Manhattan subway stations and lines 38 | February 2025
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