Underground cities: Land scarcity may soon drive all of us underground

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• April 22, 2024

Insight summary

As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of congestion and limited space, exploring underground cities offers a creative solution for expansion and sustainability. By repurposing the space beneath our feet, urban areas can enhance resilience, providing protection from extreme weather and conserving surface land for green spaces. This shift not only promises to transform how we live and work by creating new environments and opportunities but also raises important questions about the long-term social and psychological effects of subterranean living.

Underground cities context

With urban areas becoming increasingly congested and land at a premium, cities around the globe are looking towards innovative solutions to accommodate their growing populations and infrastructural needs. This development has led to the exploration and development of underground cities, a concept that utilizes the space beneath the earth's surface for urban development. For example, Singapore's Jurong Rock Caverns are designed to store liquid hydrocarbons deep below ground, conserving valuable surface land. 

Helsinki and Montreal have embraced subterranean development to maximize available space and enhance urban resilience. Helsinki, known for its comprehensive Underground City Plan, integrates shops, offices, and recreational facilities beneath the surface, showcasing a holistic approach to underground urbanism. Montreal's extensive underground network, known as La Ville Souterraine, encompasses shopping complexes and pedestrian pathways, highlighting the versatility of underground spaces in enhancing the urban experience while preserving the aesthetic and ecological integrity of the cityscape above.

The drive towards underground development is not limited to creating space for utilities and commercial activities but extends to addressing environmental challenges and improving quality of life. For instance, underground spaces inherently offer protection from natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, making them a strategic choice for critical infrastructure and emergency shelters. This emphasis on sustainability and resilience is evident in projects ranging from underground parks in New York City to the proposal of the Earthscraper in Mexico City, an inverted skyscraper concept designed to house commercial, residential, and cultural spaces below the city's historic center.

Disruptive impact

Residents might find themselves living and working in spaces shielded from extreme weather, potentially leading to a more comfortable and stable daily experience. However, the psychological impact of spending extended periods away from natural light and open air cannot be overlooked, possibly affecting mental health and overall well-being. For workers, especially in industries reliant on physical infrastructure like logistics, transportation, or utilities, underground developments could mean safer and more efficient work conditions, minimizing exposure to outdoor hazards and optimizing operational efficiency.

Companies may reduce their overhead costs related to energy usage thanks to the natural insulation properties of underground spaces. Yet, the initial investment in developing these underground facilities could be substantial, demanding significant upfront capital and long-term commitment to maintenance. Moreover, companies engaged in delivery services, retail, or entertainment might explore new models for reaching consumers, potentially reshaping the commercial landscape to adapt to how people navigate and utilize these underground spaces.

Governments can leverage this trend to address urban congestion and land scarcity, effectively increasing public and green spaces on the surface by moving non-essential services underground. This shift also requires revising urban planning and emergency response policies to ensure the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of underground developments. Internationally, sharing best practices and technological innovations in underground construction could foster cooperation between nations, yet it also introduces complexities in standardizing regulations and ensuring equitable access to the benefits of underground expansion.

Implications of underground cities

Wider implications of underground cities may include: 

• Reduced surface traffic congestion and lower air pollution levels as transportation and logistics operations move underground, enhancing urban air quality and public health.
• Increased availability of surface land for green spaces, parks, and community areas, fostering greater biodiversity and improving residents' mental health and well-being.
• The introduction of new job opportunities in underground construction, maintenance, and operations, shifting labor market demands towards specialized engineering and technical skills.
• Enhanced protection of critical infrastructure from natural disasters, leading to lower economic losses and more resilient urban environments.
• Shifts in real estate values, with premium prices for surface properties that offer natural light and open air, and innovative pricing models for underground spaces.
• Governments revising building codes and safety regulations to ensure the safe habitation and use of underground spaces, promoting public safety and welfare.
• The development of advanced ventilation and lighting technologies to mimic natural conditions underground, driving innovation in sustainable building practices.
• Potential social challenges, including the psychological impacts of living and working in subterranean environments without direct access to natural landscapes.
• New forms of social inequality, where access to surface amenities becomes a luxury and underground living conditions vary significantly based on economic status.
• Underground urban farming and green technologies, contributing to food security and reducing the carbon footprint of transporting food to urban centers.

Questions to consider

• How would living or working in an underground city change your daily routines and social interactions?
• How could underground development impact your local community's access to natural spaces and outdoor activities?