The idea of building entire cities underground might seem like science fiction, but it has a long history dating back thousands of years. Today, as surface space becomes scarcer and climate challenges grow, underground urbanism is emerging as a serious engineering and architectural frontier. A recent article on Habr explores how these subterranean spaces evolved from ancient cave dwellings to ambitious futuristic projects, and why they may play a key role in our future cities.
A Brief History of Underground Living
Underground construction is not a modern invention. Ancient civilizations carved entire settlements into rock to escape harsh climates, invaders, and extreme temperatures. One of the most famous examples is Derinkuyu in Cappadocia, Turkey — a multi-level underground city that could house up to 20,000 people. It featured ventilation shafts, stables, chapels, and even wine presses. The article notes that this was neither a solitary nor temporary shelter; rather, it was a fully functional city designed for long-term habitation.
Similarly, the ancient city of Petra in Jordan is known for its rock-cut architecture, and many other cultures—from the troglodyte homes in Matmâta, Tunisia, to the carved caves in China’s Loess Plateau—practiced underground living for practical reasons. These examples show that humans have long mastered the ability to adapt to subterranean environments.
Modern Underground Cities: More Than Just Bunkers
Today, underground spaces serve a variety of purposes, from transport hubs to data centers, but residential and commercial use is expanding. The article highlights several contemporary projects that reflect a shift toward "underground urbanism."
Montreal’s RÉSO
Montreal, Canada, is home to one of the most famous underground networks in the world. RÉSO, also known as the Underground City, is a 32-kilometer network of tunnels connecting shopping malls, hotels, offices, and metro stations. It allows residents to access many services without stepping outside, especially during harsh winters. This is not just a passageway—it functions as an integrated urban environment.
Helsinki’s Underground Master Plan
Helsinki, Finland, has taken underground planning a step further. The city has developed a detailed underground master plan that coordinates future subterranean development. It includes technical rooms, parking facilities, sports halls, and even a data center carved into bedrock. The advantage is that underground space is protected from weather and can be used for critical infrastructure, freeing up surface land for housing and parks.
Singapore’s Jurong Rock Caverns
Singapore is a small island nation with extreme land scarcity, so it looks underground to solve storage problems. The Jurong Rock Caverns, located 150 meters below the seabed, are the first commercial underground rock caverns in Southeast Asia. They are used for oil storage, ensuring strategic fuel reserves without taking up valuable surface space.
Emerging Trends: Energy, Food, and Data
Underground construction is also being explored for energy production and food cultivation. The article mentions projects using underground tunnels for geothermal cooling and heating, which can dramatically reduce energy consumption. For example, Borealis in Stockholm, Sweden, uses a former nuclear reactor pressure vessel as a data center, utilizing the cool bedrock to naturally cool servers. Similarly, underground farms are being tested in abandoned mines and bomb shelters, as they offer stable temperatures and protection from unpredictable weather.
Key Comparisons: Ancient vs. Modern Underground Cities
To better understand the evolution, consider the following comparison:
| Feature | Ancient Underground Cities (e.g., Derinkuyu) | Modern Underground Projects (e.g., RÉSO, Helsinki) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Protection from threats (invaders, climate) | Efficient use of space, infrastructure resilience |
| Technology | Manual carving, basic ventilation | Advanced engineering, climate control, automation |
| Scale | Hundreds to thousands of inhabitants | Networks of millions of users, strategic facilities |
| Design Approach | Organic, survival-oriented | Planned, integrated, multi-purpose |
| Examples | Derinkuyu, Petra, Matmâta | RÉSO, Helsinki master plan, Jurong Rock Caverns |
The Future: Challenges and Opportunities
While the potential is huge, underground cities are not without challenges. The article points out several issues that need to be addressed:
- Psychological impact – Lack of natural light and open spaces can affect mental health. Many modern projects incorporate atriums and virtual windows, but this is still a research area.
- High construction costs – Excavation in urban areas is expensive and risky. Advances in tunnel boring machines and 3D mapping have helped, but costs remain a barrier.
- Safety and evacuation – Fire safety, earthquakes, and emergency exits are critical. Regulations are still evolving.
- Legal and ownership complexity – In many cities, underground space is poorly defined legally. Who owns the rock beneath a skyscraper? This creates planning hurdles.
Despite these challenges, many experts believe underground development will increase. The article quotes research showing that demand for underground space is growing at a rate of 15-20% annually in major cities, though such figures should be treated with caution. What is clear is that cities like Tokyo, Moscow, and New York continue to invest in deep tunnel networks and subterranean logistics.
Recommendations for Urban Planners and Citizens
Based on the material, here are some practical takeaways:
- Start with a master plan – As Helsinki did, develop a comprehensive underground plan before the space is used ad hoc.
- Integrate with surface design – Underground spaces should not be bunkers but extensions of the street network, with easy access and natural light where possible.
- Focus on public benefits – Prioritize projects that serve the common good, such as flood protection, clean energy, and efficient logistics.
- Learn from the past – Ancient cities demonstrate that well-designed ventilation and water management are essential for long-term livability.
Conclusion
Underground cities are not a mere fantasy; they are a proven strategy that has evolved from ancient survival necessity to modern urban optimization. As cities grow denser and climate pressures intensify, looking below ground offers a practical path forward. The Habr article provides a comprehensive overview of this trend, and its insights are valuable for anyone interested in the future of urban living.
For those who want to dive deeper into the technical and historical details, the original article is a great resource: Source.
Ultimately, the land beneath our feet may hold the key to more resilient, sustainable, and livable cities—provided we build them with the same foresight our ancestors showed, but with far more advanced tools.
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