UNDERGROUND SPACE | INSIGHT


● Management of underground assets (Jorge Quelhas), and major water circulation and management (Cláudia Costa), as well as


● Drainage works in densely urbanized areas (José Silva Ferreira).


A lively audience interaction considered some key questions, such as: “What is your perception of the current role of underground space?” Terms such as ‘opportunity’, ‘efficiency’, and


‘sustainability’ jumped out, but also critical terms such as ‘unknown’, ‘uncoordinated’, and ‘dispersed’ (see Figure 5). This led to a discussion how we can improve and to


next question, on: “How do you imagine underground space in the future?” Here the answers were mainly positive and focused


developments are needed – even if they have different timelines, or simply the potential for future possibilities are desired to be held open, or at least not closed off. Moreover, policies need to address how an optimal


and balanced use of the subsurface can be achieved. This is quite important as certain uses can have an extreme impact. In one of many examples, the case of the planned


tri-national EU-funded underground Einstein Telescope was cited. The physics research project is to study gravitational waves and do so by creating large underground space for laboratory equipment, in the border area of The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany featuring a geology that helps to dampen vibrations, according to the official project information. Site studies are underway, and it is hoped that construction work can start in 2028 for the research facility to be commissioned and operational by 2035. Pending those outcomes, other possible alternative candidate sites are being considered, including the island of Sardinia and, in Germany, the state of Saxony. For such a project, and other major structures in the


underground, policies are required to set the rules and the basis for planning of the subsurface. They can also be helpful instruments to support consideration of other surface and subsurface developments. In addition to the round table discussion, the event in


Porto also featured valuable contributions from several experts, providing presentations on the following: ● Planning and management of underground space, engineering of underground works (Daniel Leite and José M. Galera),


● Architecture and management of public space, such as the new accesses to the Bolhão metro station, Porto, through the completely rehabilitated old Bolhão market (Nuno Valentim and Tiago Figueiredo),


● BIM applied to the preparation and management of projects (Vítor Silva), and Valorisation (valuation methods) (Paulo E. Ferreira),


on ‘necessary’, ‘sustainable’, ‘usable’ and ‘livable’, ‘multipurpose’, ‘resourceful’ and ‘understandable’. But also, more doubtful terms were raised such as ‘claustrophobic’, ‘more complex’, and ‘chaotic’ (see Figure 6). It evolved that the underground means a lot of


different things to different people. Participants confirmed that we have come a long way but that we still have quite some way to go. The panelists concluded that the underground must


be seen as an asset for any city and that urban long- term planning is needed concerning below surface space is and that we must involve decision-makers to build legacy. “The objective of the seminar was to raise awareness


among society about the importance of urban use of underground space, freeing the surface for recreational and public purposes. The aim was to bring together local authorities and managers of underground spaces, in a collaborative reflection on sustainability, resilience and efficiency of underground space,” says event organiser Raul Sarra Pistone, President of CPT, and Member of the Technical Council at COBA Engineering, Lisboa. This was achieved. For myself, as moderator, and as ITACUS co-chair, I


was delighted by the depth and outspokenness of the panelists, and for their belief in the multi-dimensionality of the topic and in thinking beyond their professional disciplines. I am pleased that ITACUS can help to unlock such


high-level conversations, and support further by moderating the discussions, underlining its claim that ‘the next level up is down.’ Special thanks are extended to CPT, particularly Raul


Sarra Pistone and Nadir Plasencia, for the excellent work in organizing and hosting this insightful live session in collaboration with the local universities and engineering societies. The combined efforts of all involved provided a


platform for groundbreaking discussions on the future of underground spaces in urban planning and how cities like Porto, Lisbon and many more can benefit from this visionary yet realistic approach.


Summer 2025 | 53


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