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101-0388-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-ARCH , D-BAUG
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Planning of Underground Space

Lecturers & Examiners: Antonia Cornaro
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:47

Abstract

Urban underground space is the undiscovered or underutilised asset that can help shape the cities of the future. Planning the urban subsurface calls for multi disciplinary professionals to work together in shaping a new urban tissue beneath our cities. The need to plan the third dimension in the subsurface is critical in making our cities future proof, resilient and sustainable.

Objective

Gain an appreciation and knowledge of what lies beneath our feet and what an asset the underground is for our cities. The need to plan this asset is more complex than on the surface, as it is invisible and in parts impenentrable. We look at methods and tools to gain an understanding of the subsurface and what issues and challenges are involved in planning it.

Content

Weekly lectures on various topics involving cities and the subsurface: •Major aspects of urban development •The Subsurface as the final frontier •Historical approaches to underground space development •Urban sustainability aspects •Modelling and mapping the underground •Policy building and urban planning •Design and architecture -creating a new urban tissue •Constructability of underground spaces •Future cities -resilient cities •Governance and legal challenges •Investment aspects and value capture •Future proofing our infrastructure •Best practice of underground space use •Excursion to underground facility (if possible) •Guest speakers on relevant topics

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
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
• Quiz or short write-up on the lecture material after the first few lectures.• Group team work which will be announced mid-term, to be carried out in multi-disciplinary teams.• Concept note on the group team work approx. 2 weeks after assignment is shared.• Live poster presentation as part of the above-mentioned group team work approx. 6 weeks after assignment is shared.• Report on the proposed concept as part as part of the above-mentioned group team work- due approx. 6 weeks after assignment is shared.• Individual write up on lessons learned from the course, due at the end of the semester.• Optional attendance of excursion to underground facility (if taking place).• Optional Quiz after the excursion (if taking place).

Registration & Places

Max Places
135
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 07.02.2022 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Planning of Underground Space
  • Mon 13:45-15:30 (HIL E 9)
  • 09.05 Date 13:15-16:00 (HG E 3)
2 h weekly

Offered In