Unveiling Hidden Potential. A Typological Approach for the Underground Landscape

Abstract

Urbanization and environmental challenges underscore the importance of utilizing underground spaces as strategic resources for future cities. However, a systematic framework for analysing the complexity of these spaces is missing. This research proposes a typological analysis of underground environments, categorizing them into four layers: surface, medium, deep, and ultra-deep—each with distinct functionalities. While the underground is recognized for its potential in stabilizing temperatures and reducing energy consumption, it remains fragmented mainly in analysis. The article proposes an underground taxonomy generating a hierarchy of configurations, divided into geometrical and topological, and networks, divided into vertical, nodal and horizontal, helping to understand better how underground layers influence above-ground development and emphasizing the need for a robust urban planning theory.