ITACUS - EXPERIENCE OF UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTS | INSIGHT
insights for engineers, designers and planners seeking to optimise underground spaces for both functionality and human experience.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTS Underground environments evoke a complex spectrum of psychological responses, from feelings of security and comfort to anxiety and disorientation. These responses are influenced by evolutionary instincts, cultural conditioning, and also the specific design of a particular space. Effective understanding these psychological
dimensions is crucial for engineers, architects, urban planners and designers to ensure that subterranean spaces are not only functional but safe, welcoming and inclusive. 1. Enclosure and confinement: The enclosed nature of underground spaces can evoke both positive and negative reactions. On one hand, enclosed spaces can create a sense of refuge and security, as seen in ancient underground dwellings and modern bunker designs. On the other, confined spaces can trigger claustrophobia and anxiety, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to spatial restrictions. Advances in spatial psychology suggest that
implementing high ceilings, open-plan layouts, and carefully planned ventilation systems can significantly reduce feelings of confinement. Additionally, integrating visual connections to the
surface, such as light wells and atriums, can alleviate psychological stress by providing a perceived escape route.
2. Lack of natural cues: Human perception is heavily reliant on natural cues such as daylight and open horizons. The absence of these cues in underground spaces can disrupt circadian rhythms, affecting mood and cognitive function. Subterranean environments must compensate for this deficit through artificial lighting, spatial design, and other psychological interventions.
3. Wayfinding and orientation: Navigation in underground environments presents unique spatial and psychological challenges due to the lack of visual landmarks. The absence of horizon lines and familiar environmental markers can lead to disorientation and increased cognitive load. Research in environmental psychology suggests
that intuitive wayfinding solutions—such as colour- coded pathways, distinct architectural elements, and digital navigation aids—can significantly enhance spatial awareness. In some cities, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, the underground metro stations employ a combination of visual cues, digital signage, and interactive maps to ensure seamless navigation, helping to reduce stress and improve user experience.
4. Sensory perception and acoustics: Sound behaves differently underground. It is often amplified or distorted due to the hard, reflective surfaces commonly found in tunnels and subterranean spaces. Excessive noise reverberation can contribute to cognitive fatigue, discomfort, and even motion sickness in some cases. Advances in acoustic engineering have demonstrated
that the use of sound-absorbing materials, diffusers, and spatial zoning can significantly enhance auditory comfort. In Copenhagen’s metro system, for example, carefully designed acoustics minimise echoing, creating a more pleasant auditory environment for commuters.
THE ROLE OF LIGHT AND SPACE IN UNDERGROUND DESIGN Light and spatial configuration are essential in shaping the psychological experience of underground environments. Advances in lighting technology, spatial planning, and architectural psychology offer innovative solutions to enhance user comfort and well-being. 1. Artificial lighting and circadian adaptation: Since underground spaces lack natural sunlight, artificial lighting plays a critical role in mimicking daylight cycles.
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Above left:
Hong Kong Metro’s underground system
Above right:
Singapore MRT stations underground in the core of the city
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