City Planning: Adding a z-axis

Cities all over the world are experiencing changes on an epic scale. This article explores the idea of ‘Urban Underground Space Planning’ as an instrument for future-proofing the cities against these changes.

‘Change is the only constant.’

Indeed, and cities all over the world are experiencing transformation in terms of architecture, environment and technology. So when we think about the future of cities, we need to be accepting this fact and take suitable steps to make them responsive.

I wished to explore underground spaces for the opportunities they can offer and started with following questions:

• Can we think of expanding the space by adding a negative z-axis to the cities?

• What would it be like to have two parallel and distinct functioning urban systems – one at ground level and another at underground level?

• Could the cities be more exciting and safe if major transport corridors were taken underground?

Concept Sketch (Illustration: By Author)

Well, such and many more questions encouraged me to take up this topic for my Master’s thesis in Urban and Regional Planning. I evolved my thoughts primarily based upon the arguments of urban land densification, space contestations and inclusivity.

Henard and Utidjian, both urbanists, proposed a vertical segregation of the city as opposed to the horizontal zoning. And they had talked about this and much more in the “1928”!!!

( I affirmed myself… )

I researched about its historical evolution, case studies, and technical feasibility. This following image from a Popular Science Journal created a rather lasting impression upon me.

Journal Says ( Source: Flickr )

It is long overdue that we acknowledge this and start talking about underground space planning as a tool for (probably) redefining the urban systems.

Looking further into the literature, I learnt that there have been several successful attempts made at underground space utilisation ranging from the historical city of Derinkuyu, to modern cities of Helsinki, Shanghai, Montreal etc.

There has also been research done in terms of architectural prototypes sited in Mexico, New York etc.

Few Examples of Underground Space Utilizations (Illustration: By Author)

Now, the question was contextualizing the concept for India!

Swanky malls and high end recreational spaces were in no way going to address the land related needs. So, the research was instigated in the domain of inclusive planning.

To address the needs of a country with such diverse socio-economic mix was indeed a challenging task to comprehend.

Based upon the study, the site for my thesis was selected to be Greater Mumbai. Yes, it is already an extremely complex fabric, adding another layer of underground to it would be quite challenging.

Analyzing the trade-offs in terms of economic feasibility and environmental sensitivity, was the way to go about it.

A number of reviews and discussions, and a week-long site visit followed.

Through the process, I got to know varied perceptions of people supporting as well as rejecting the concept, both quite strongly. Interestingly enough, there were almost none having a neutral opinion.

I could collect clear and distinct opinions of the people for the ‘qualitative research analysis’ part.

The urban planning and real estate professionals commented upon the environmental benefits of underground development and also brought out the shadow benefits of the concept.

The outlook about concept’s feasibility was deliberated upon. It was interesting to know, that Underground construction benefits against the high land values and complex process of R&R (Rehabilitation and Resettlement), in case any kind of development were to happen aboveground.

The construction engineering and project management professionals opined about the advancements in construction technology which set out quite a congenial setup for underground construction.

Mega construction - Underground Airport metro station – Mumbai (Picture: By Author)

There was a strong opinion that the model ‘will’ and ‘should be’ a capitalistic one because of the feasibility constraints.

An Economist’s point of view rationally questioned the inclusivity of the concept.

The emphasis laid upon the ideology of ‘Cities as Growth Engines’ and the need for the cities to financially develop, which can subsequently build funds for regional developments.

Upon seeking medical expertise about the concept, it was understood that underground habitability is comparable to spending 8-10 hours in a completely air conditioned building aboveground.

And such is a very common scenario today, when people spend their office hours in a similar environment. The psychological and physiological aspects of the concept were also further deliberated upon.

While the architectural expertise brought forth discussions related to the spatial forms, dimensions, landscape design, building services etc., there were a few perceptions which questioned the underground habitability due to the lack of orientation with respect to the outside world.

And such many other interviews with transport planners, environmental scientists, lawyers, legislative official, geotechnical engineer etc. resulted in huge qualitative data set which guided my further study.

Cities have immense to offer; the need for us is to dare, build and live the change…

I critically analyzed acceptable land uses in the underground development. The results showed that the activities requiring least/ short-time human interface were the most preferred.

Further, I researched upon the quantitative analysis part of the concept in terms of its economic viability (included tools like ‘willingness to pay’). An underground land suitability analysis was conducted.

I also keenly looked into the limitations and challenges of this concept in terms of its execution in case of India.

Because of the newness of the topic, there was something or the other that interested everyone and were encouraged to talk about it.

I must confess that I had a tough time streamlining the methodology and conclude with the thesis.

But eventually it happened, and it happened really well!

A 'Second decker' perspective – Mumbai (Picture: By Author)

Through the journey, there was a realization, that we, the society may accept the need for bolder changes, but yet still, are not quite ready to think and study in the direction.

Although, I strongly believe that more research is to be carried out in the domain of underground planning, more advantageous it would be and the more practical grounding it will attain.

There were profound learnings that developed throughout the process. And I am quite positive that ‘Urban Underground Space (UUS) planning’ can help in future-proofing the Indian cities and further build them to be robust and sustainable.

For the readers interested in the topic, please check out the ‘Further Readings’. Also, feel free to contact me! Most welcome for your comments and suggestions on the topic.

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“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

― Steve Jobs

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Further Readings

Admiraal, H., & Suri, N. S. (Eds.). (2015). Think Deep: Planning, development and use of underground space in cities

Besner, J. (2017). Cities Think Underground – Underground Space (also) for People

Inuzuka, N., Kimura, R. and Ueda, S. (n.d.). Plans for the Use of Underground Spaces & 5 Strategies to Build Value

Lowline - Website Name (2019)

Scruggs, G. (n.d.). Singapore is creating a subterranean master plan

WSP Global Inc. (2018). Taking Urban development underground: Future-ready solution for ensuring urban sustainability

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Adwait Limaye, Author

Adwait has completed his Bachelor's in Architecture in 2015 and Master's in Urban and Regional Planning in 2020. He is a practicing Architect-Planner and is also engaged in research writing. His work domain includes sociological studies, inclusive planning, placemaking & urban design, creative economy, and mobility studies. He also immerses himself in travelling, reading and meeting new individuals, in his process of exploration.

Reach out to him at – adwaitlimaye4@gmail.com