Transport Orientated Development and Commercialization of Underground Space in China: Trends in Shanghai, Tianjin and Shenzhen

Abstract

In China, there is significant interest in underground planning projects from City Governments, metro authorities and private developers. The success of commercialized underground space, when tied to metro developments, is dependent on the programming, design, operations, financial and long-term management model of its operators. This research makes qualitative comparisons in the underground development trends across the Chinese metropolitans of Shanghai, Shenzhen and Tianjin, three geographically, historically and climatically diverse cities with extensive metro-led underground spaces. Shanghai has the most extensive and commercially driven underground developments, followed closely by Shenzhen and Tianjin. The key lessons learned are the importance of spatial quality of undergrounds in attracting and retaining pedestrians, as well as the need to correctly position underground developments in congruence to the neighborhood needs above. If correctly positioned, underground retail corridors can be thriving and lively destinations.