ITACUS - EXPERIENCE OF UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTS | INSIGHT
1. Murals and installations: Public art in underground spaces—such as metro stations, pedestrian tunnels, and underground plazas— can provide visual stimulation, break monotony, and create a more inviting atmosphere. Hong Kong’s MTR system is a prime example, where
stations like Sai Ying Pun feature vibrant murals that connect commuters to local culture. Singapore’s Downtown Line integrates interactive installations, such as the atmospheric lighting displays at Beauty World station, which mimic natural environments. Similarly, Copenhagen’s Cityringen Metro blends artistic minimalism with thought-provoking murals to evoke a sense of calm and continuity throughout the network.
2. Cultural programming: Hosting exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences in underground spaces can make them more inviting, socially engaging, and adaptable for multiple uses. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Underground
Promenade features rotating art exhibits and live performances that transform an otherwise transient space into a cultural destination. In Tokyo, underground galleries within subway stations display contemporary art, allowing commuters to engage with creativity as part of their daily routines. This strategy not only humanises underground environments but also maximises their potential as communal hubs rather than mere transit points.
3. Symbolism and storytelling: Narrative-driven design, where underground spaces reflect local history, culture, or natural landscapes, fosters a sense of identity and belonging. Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay MRT station immerses
visitors in garden themes, creating a seamless transition between transit and destination. In Paris, the Louvre- Rivoli Metro station integrates classical sculptures and museum-style lighting to enrich the commuting experience. Copenhagen’s metro stations adopt Nordic- inspired aesthetics with clean lines and muted tones, reinforcing Denmark’s architectural heritage while ensuring visual comfort.
CASE STUDIES: SUCCESSFUL UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTS Several cities worldwide have embraced innovative approaches to underground design, balancing functionality with psychological well-being and cultural integration: 1. Hong Kong MTR, Hong Kong Hong Kong’s MTR system exemplifies effective underground spatial design, integrating wide, well-lit areas, clear wayfinding, and strategic colour use to counteract the potential discomfort of subterranean travel. Admiralty and Tsim Sha Tsui stations feature expansive layouts, bright palettes, and naturalistic artwork that enhance passenger perception of openness and safety.
2. Singapore’s Downtown Line, Singapore Singapore’s Downtown Line focuses on commuter experience, with stations such as Bencoolen featuring high ceilings, ample artificial daylight, and dynamic art installations. The Marina Bay underground network incorporates retail and leisure spaces, making underground transit not only functional but also engaging. The seamless integration of greenery, open spaces, and interactive lighting ensures an intuitive and inviting user journey.
3. Cityringen Metro, Copenhagen Copenhagen’s Cityringen Metro is designed with a strong emphasis on user-friendliness, leveraging high ceilings, unobstructed spaces, and advanced lighting solutions that simulate natural light cycles. The incorporation of digital navigation tools, intelligent passenger flow management, and a consistent design language ensures a stress-free underground commuting experience. The use of sound-dampening materials also enhances acoustic comfort, reducing the auditory disorientation common in subterranean environments.
FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: HUMAN-CENTRED DESIGN FOR UNDERGROUND SPACE As urban density increases and underground expansion continues, the next generation of subterranean spaces must prioritise human-centred design. Key trends shaping the underground environments of the future include: 1. Adaptive lighting systems – AI-driven lighting that adjusts based on occupancy, time of day, and user preferences, improving circadian alignment and visual comfort.
2. Augmented reality wayfinding – Digital overlays and mobile-integrated navigation that enhance orientation in complex underground networks.
3. Sustainable underground habitats – Integration of renewable energy sources, green walls, and air purification systems to enhance underground liveability.
4. Neuroscientific approaches to design – Application of cognitive research to optimise layouts, reduce stress triggers, and improve overall user experience.
CONCLUSION Underground environments play a crucial role in modern urban infrastructure, yet their psychological and cultural impact often remains underexplored. By incorporating insights from psychology, neuroscience, and environmental design, engineers, architects, and planners can create underground spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also enhance human well-being. The strategic use of light, space, art, and culture can transform these environments from sterile transit corridors into vibrant extensions of urban life. As cities continue to expand downward, the need for human-centred subterranean design will be more pressing than ever, redefining how we experience the built environment below the surface.
April 2025 | 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
