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

Lecturers & Examiners: Antonia Cornaro
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:32:58

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 •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
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
• MANDATORY three quizzes on the lecture material after every few lectures, dates to be announced on first lecture day. (multiple choice, max 30 min)• MANDATORY Excursion to underground research and development facility, if carried out (24 March)• MANDATORY Group teamwork which will be announced mid-term (24 March), to be carried out in multi-disciplinary teams.• Concept note on the group teamwork due 7 April• MANDATORY Live poster presentation as part of the above-mentioned group team work on May 5 and/or May 19 (depending on amount of groups).

Registration & Places

Max Places
135
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 03.02.2025 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Planning of Underground Space
Remark: LECTURE STARTS ON FEBRUARY 24, 2025! (due to one or two double-time lectures later in the semester)
  • Mon 13:45-15:30 (HIL E 9)
  • 05.05 Date 11:45-17:30 (HCI J 7)
2 h weekly

Offered In