Use of Underground Space in Large Cities

Abstract

The article concerns the problem of the use of the underground space in large cities. It provides the international case studies of urban planning of large cities: Helsinki, Oulu (Finland), London (Great Britain), Berlin (Germany), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Toronto (Canada), Shanghai (China), Doha (Qatar), and also the domestic experience of urban planning and renewal of Moscow. Investigation and analysis of the use of the underground space in large cities of the world have revealed and defined the ultimate objectives for the further research: the provision of comfortable living and working conditions for people; increasing the useful area of the urbanized territories of the city without the involvement of free plots of land; stabilization of the dimensions of the territory of the large city; improving the ecological environment of the city; landscaping of the undeveloped areas. The current problem of the large modern city (megalopolis) is the lack of free territories. One of the main methods of solution of this challenging task is the integrated use of the underground space. This space can be used for: underground transport facilities, industrial facilities, underground urban networks, consumer services enterprises, special purpose constructions, trade, spectacular and sports complexes, transport tunnels and underpasses, garages and parking areas. In view of the different conditions of building and planning, individual geological conditions, the use of experience of the specific city is not always applicable for another one. The studying of both foreign and domestic experience will allow to reveal the characteristic regularities and approaches for more careful and differentiated approach to the development of recommendations and project solutions on the development of the underground space in each certain large city.