// ARTICLE Why building


For centuries, humanity has looked to the skies to solve its most pressing architectural challenges. From the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the towering skyscrapers that define today’s cityscapes, the answer has oſten been to build upwards. However, with rapid urbanization, the escalating effects of climate change, and the growing scarcity of land, it may be time to reconsider how we use space—and the most promising answer could lie beneath our feet. MMC Editor Joe Bradbury explores the potential that underground development has to offer:


underground cities could be our best bet for the future


T


he concept of building downwards, into the earth, may sound like a page from a science fiction novel, but it is increasingly becoming the focus of serious consideration among architects, urban planners, and environmentalists. Underground cities and upside-down skyscrapers—massive, multi-level complexes extending deep into the ground— offer a forward-thinking vision for urban living. These subterranean structures could not only alleviate the space limitations facing growing cities but also present unique advantages in terms of energy efficiency, climate resilience, and sustainable design.


The challenges of growing upwards


For decades, the dominant trend in urban development has been to build upwards. Skyscrapers, apartment towers, and commercial office buildings have defined modern cities, providing a practical way to accommodate a rapidly growing population while conserving valuable land. However, as buildings grow taller, they encounter numerous challenges. Constructing high-rise buildings is expensive, requiring deeper and stronger foundations to support the structure. The higher a building rises, the more complex its engineering becomes, driving up construction costs.


Beyond financial concerns, skyscrapers also have significant environmental impacts. Tall buildings consume vast amounts of energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Additionally, their height can cause wind turbulence and cast long shadows


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over neighbouring areas, reducing the quality of life for residents below. Cities dominated by tall structures also face the “urban heat island” effect, where concrete, steel, and glass trap heat, making cities significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.


Given these limitations, architects are beginning to explore alternative solutions. If space is scarce above ground, why not make better use of the space below?


The case for underground construction


Building underground offers several compelling advantages over traditional, above-ground construction. The most obvious benefit is the untapped availability of space. As cities grow denser and land prices soar, the ground beneath our feet remains relatively unused. In most urban areas, deep underground spaces are currently only utilized for utilities such as water pipes, sewer systems, and transportation networks. However, the potential to build much more is vast.


Underground buildings also boast superior energy efficiency. The earth itself serves as a natural insulator, maintaining a stable temperature year- round. This results in lower energy requirements for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making underground construction both environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. In an era where energy efficiency is a critical consideration, this is a major advantage.


Another crucial advantage is climate resilience. With the increasing threat of extreme weather


events—such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves—traditional urban environments are becoming more vulnerable. Underground structures, protected by meters of earth, are naturally shielded from the elements. These subterranean spaces are less likely to be damaged by storms and are insulated from extreme temperatures. As cities continue to face climate- related risks, building underground offers a way to create more resilient, future-proof urban environments.


Examples of underground architecture


The idea of underground cities may sound futuristic, but the concept is not new. Civilizations throughout history have utilized underground spaces. For example, the ancient Cappadocians of modern-day Turkey built vast underground cities thousands of years ago to protect themselves from invaders. In modern times, however, underground spaces have mostly been associated with transport systems, parking garages, and basements.


Yet, there are already notable examples of more ambitious underground architecture. In Coober Pedy, a mining town in South Australia known for its extreme heat, many residents live in homes carved directly out of the earth. These underground dwellings provide natural insulation, keeping the temperature cool in the summer and warm in the winter.


Tokyo, Japan, has taken the idea further, with several underground shopping malls and entertainment complexes, such as the Sunshine 60 building, which houses shops, restaurants,


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