PLANNING UNDERGROUND | INSIGHT


subsurface atlas that documents utilities, aquifers, and soil conditions, helping planners navigate complex spatial constraints.


Dynamic policy frameworks Adaptive zoning laws can prioritise high-impact uses of underground space while streamlining approval processes. Singapore’s Underground Master Plan balances public and private interests by designating specific zones for utilities, transport, and commercial activities. Meanwhile, financial incentives, such as tax breaks or grants, encourage innovation and investment in sustainable subterranean developments. In London, the Crossrail project benefitted from


such incentives, attracting private investment to tackle the engineering complexities of tunnelling beneath one of the world’s busiest cities. By aligning technical innovation with economic strategy, projects can overcome the inherent challenges of subterranean development.


SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE Underground developments, while solving spatial and functional challenges, must also align with and advance overarching sustainability objectives. The convergence of engineering innovation, material science, and urban planning creates opportunities for subterranean spaces to actively contribute to environmental resilience, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation. Energy-efficient systems are central to the


sustainable operation of underground spaces. Geothermal cooling and heating systems, for example, leverage the Earth’s stable subsurface temperatures to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for temperature regulation. By combining this with LED lighting, which consumes significantly less energy than traditional lighting, and heat recovery systems that recycle excess heat from mechanical processes, underground facilities can drastically cut operational emissions. Stockholm’s underground data centres provide a


compelling case study: the waste heat generated from their operations is channelled to warm thousands of homes, creating an energy-efficient circular system. This innovative approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of the data centres but also offsets heating demands for urban residents, blending technological and environmental benefits seamlessly. The materials chosen for underground construction


also play a critical role in sustainability. Traditional construction materials, such as concrete,


have significant embodied carbon footprints, making the adoption of low-carbon alternatives imperative. The Brenner Base Tunnel project, between Austria and Italy, serves as a benchmark that showcases the use of low- carbon concrete, which incorporates supplementary cementitious materials to reduce emissions. Additionally, recycled aggregates and steel can replace virgin materials without compromising structural integrity, further contributing to a reduced environmental impact.


Flood resilience and seismic stability must also


be prioritised in the design of underground spaces, particularly as cities face intensifying climate risks. Tokyo’s ‘G-Cans Project’ illustrates the dual functionality of subterranean infrastructure in mitigating climate impacts while enhancing urban usability. As one of the world’s largest underground flood management systems, ‘G-Cans’ captures and stores stormwater during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of surface flooding. Beyond its engineering brilliance, this facility doubles as a public space, hosting tours and educational programmes, effectively integrating utility and community engagement. Advanced technological solutions are also emerging


to make underground spaces more adaptive to changing environmental conditions. Sensors embedded in underground structures can provide real-time data on stress, temperature, and water infiltration, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing the risk of failure. IoT-based systems can optimise energy consumption, lighting, and ventilation by dynamically responding to occupancy and environmental factors. Finally, integrating underground planning with


broader urban sustainability frameworks is essential. Subterranean developments should complement surface-level green spaces, enabling cities to meet biodiversity goals while maintaining dense urban cores. For instance, Helsinki’s Underground Master Plan


prioritises underground facilities for utilities and parking, leaving surface areas open for parks and pedestrian zones, thereby enhancing urban liveability and ecological health. In summary, sustainability in underground planning is


not merely an add-on but an imperative that transforms challenges into opportunities. By adopting energy- efficient systems, utilising low-carbon materials, incorporating climate-resilient designs, and leveraging advanced technology, subterranean developments can serve as models for sustainable urban infrastructure, addressing the dual imperatives of environmental stewardship and urban functionality.


THE PATH FORWARD:


BUILDING THE CITIES OF TOMORROW The underground is not merely a space—it is an opportunity to redefine how cities grow, connect, and thrive. Projects like New York’s subway, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, and Helsinki’s Underground Master Plan reveal the transformative potential of subterranean development when guided by strategic stakeholder engagement, innovative design, and a commitment to sustainability. For architects, engineers, designers, geographers,


geologists and planners, the challenge is clear: to design and execute underground projects that are not only technically sound but also sustainable, adaptable, and inclusive. The question is no longer why we should build underground, but how boldly and effectively we can do so to shape the cities of tomorrow.


February 2025 | 39


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