Architecture of underground spaces: From isolated innovations to connected urbanism

Abstract

This article provides an introduction to an architectural approach of subterranean space, presenting its properties and principles of development. It then analyzes some subsurface experiences of the 20th century and, by looking at their successes and failures, shows how a renewed human and dynamic vision could help move from developing isolated structures towards a connected form of urbanism. Such a transition would provide an adequate response to the challenges of modern metropolises, for instance in the Paris area. On the strength of these realizations, a national transdisciplinary research program was deemed necessary and this is how Ville 10D – Ville d’Idées came to be in 2013. This article thus recaps the history and reflection that led to the creation of the Ville 10D project, and explains how it emerged as a systemic approach to subterranean development. MethodConception and development of a change of paradigm: consider the living and motion as primary, unifying agents between the underground and the city above it; play with and act on the subsurface in order to reinject mixed uses and complexity into the city through a systemic approach of the underground in the urban eco-system.Creation of a research project whose organization reflects these concerns: in order to take the living into account, make the study as cross-disciplinary as possible, mixing competences and points of views.Four-fold organization – socio-economical, environmental, psycho-social, cognitive (knowledge and management of the underground) – corresponding to four main themes plus two transversal themes (legal and urban planning). Unfolding in four stages of 18 months each, these thematic approaches are casting converging light onto token sites chosen for their diverse typology. Around a hundred professional players are involved in the Ville 10D project. Study resultsBeyond the data gradually obtained through the project studies themselves, and without anticipating those to come, the first results so far have shown a growing awareness of and interest in the reality of underground potential. There has been a genuine gradual involvement of the development players, researchers and academics in elaborating the project.For us, gaining support from the players is an essential stake to “unlock” the underground in the minds first, then in reality thanks to tools built by Ville 10D in all the fields of development. ConclusionResearch reports are issued upon completion of each of the stages and posted on the website http://www.ville10d.fr. We are planning to present and publish the final reports at an international colloquium in 2017.