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Planning of Underground Space
Last Updated: 2026-06-04 00:26:49
Abstract
Urban underground space is an underutilized asset with the potential to shape the cities of the future. Effective planning of the urban subsurface requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together professionals to create a new layer of urban development beneath our cities. Integrating the subsurface into urban planning is crucial for building future-proof, resilient, and sustainable cities,
Objective
Develop an appreciation for the hidden world beneath our feet and recognize the immense value underground spaces offer to our cities. Planning these spaces is inherently more complex than surface-level development due to their invisibility and, in some areas, impenetrability. We explore innovative methods and tools to understand the subsurface, addressing the unique challenges and critical issues involved in planning this vital asset through a hands-on interdisciplinary group project on an actual topic.
Content
Weekly lectures on various topics involving cities and the subsurface: Major Aspects of Urban Development: Growth patterns, density, infrastructure demands, and competing land uses The Subsurface as the Final Frontier: Why underground space is becoming a critical resource for cities Historical Approaches to Underground Space Development Lessons from past underground infrastructure and spaces Urban Sustainability and the Subsurface: Energy, water, climate adaptation, and resource efficiency below ground Modelling and Mapping the Underground: Geological data, digital twins, GIS, BIM, and uncertainty management Policy, Regulation, and Urban Planning: Integrating underground space into planning frameworks and masterplans Design and Architecture: Creating a New Urban Tissue Spatial quality, human experience, and connections between surface and subsurface Constructability of Underground Spaces: Methods, sequencing, risk, and geotechnical constraints Future and Resilient Cities: The role of underground space in climate adaptation and urban resilience Governance and Legal Challenges: Ownership, land rights, liability, and long-term stewardship Investment, Economics, and Value Capture Financing underground projects and understanding long-term value Future-Proofing Urban Infrastructure: Flexibility, adaptability, and lifecycle thinking Best Practices in Underground Space Use: International case studies and transferable lessons Excursion to an Underground Facility (subject to availability) First-hand experience of underground infrastructure and space Guest Lectures from Industry and Research Experts Insights from professionals working at the forefront of underground development
Resources
Lecture Notes
•Presentation slides•Book: Underground Spaces Unveiled: Planning and Creating the Cities of the Future, ICE Publishing, 2018, Admiraal, H., Cornaro, A., ISBN 978-0-7277-6145-3•Numerous additional relevant book excerpts and articles, as well as relevant videos•Material from guest presenters•See also link "learning materials"
Literature
various articles and books will be recommended during the course please see also weblinks "learning materials"
Learning Materials (Links)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 135
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Planning of Underground Space |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Specialized Courses (The specialized courses are freely selectable and offer students the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in certain areas of landscape architecture. The details for the performance assessments are regulated in Art. 27.)
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