INSIGHT | UNDERGROUND SPACE
Above left, figure 3: Panel discussion focused on use of underground space and was joined by guest panelists online Above right, figure 4: Metro entrance
Cities in the Global North, boasting of more
extensive subterranean development, have cultivated established knowledge frameworks that address the operation and delivery management of such underground assets. However, there has been limited attention given to optimizing the use of existing and future underground spaces from the context of planning. The experience of the Global North presents a
significant learning opportunity for cities in the Global South, underscoring the importance of developing novel strategies and frameworks for harnessing the potential of underground spaces. But, additionally, it also urges cities in the Global North to engage in a critical re-evaluation of the functionality of their existing underground assets, a process some cities are presently undertaking. The integration of underground space into the urban
fabric must be planned meticulously, considering the imperative to forecast and create scenarios through the multifaceted lenses of social, economic, and environmental dynamics. This emphasis on forward- looking planning cannot be overstated. While the functions of underground assets are bound
to evolve over time, it is essential to anticipate these changes and engineer solutions from the outset. In essence, the utilization of underground spaces in
urban planning is a dynamic and evolving field. It offers valuable opportunities for cities in both the Global North and the Global South to learn from one another, adapt to changing needs, and ensure that the integration of underground spaces into urban landscapes is carried out with foresight and effectiveness, said Agwor. Specific complexities in underground-related projects
Top, figure 5 Popular words on perception of role of underground space now....
Above, figure 6 ...and in future
52 | Summer 2025
were discussed, such as aquifer heat storage and retrieval systems, which could potentially conflict with other ongoing as well as future developments in the subsurface environment of a city, such as for urban transport with metro lines. Therefore, planning policies to prevent conflicting outcomes from overlapping
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