Incredible underground cities to relieve overcrowding,名佳澳洲房产咨询微信公众号文章

THE population may be getting bigger but there’s only so much room for us to live on Earth.

To combat the problems associated with over crowding, space and climate change many cities are looking at radical new ideas underground.

With 80 per cent of the world’s population expected to live in cities by the end of the century, urban planners have been faced with the worry of where to put them all.

In a 2013 report, the US National Research Council suggested that “facilities underground may be the most successful way to encourage or support the redirection of urban development into sustainable patterns.”

Here’s a look at some of the incredible plans of cities around the world for life underground.

Singapore

It’s one of the most overcrowded countries on the planet. The tiny nation of Singapore is just 710 square km but it packs a population of 5.4 million and is home to more than 4000 high-rises.

To combat its lack of land, Singapore is planning to build an “Underground Science City” that will house a working population of 4200. Sitting 30 to 80 metres below the surface this subterranean labyrinth will support biomedical and biochemistry industries in soundproof labs and data centres carved out of caves.

Mexico City

Architects in Mexico City have come up with an ambitious solution to its strict building regulations and designed a massive 300 metre deep inverted skyscraper.

Shaped like an upside down pyramid, the building will accommodate 5000 people and offer retail, housing and cultural attractions with a huge glass ceiling above to provide natural light.

“There is very little room for any more buildings in Mexico City, and the law says we cannot go above eight stories, so the only way is down,” Esteban Suarez, co-founder of BNKR Arquitectura, the firm behind the proposals told CNN.

“This would be a practical way of conserving the built environment while creating much-needed new space for commerce and living,” he added.

It’s one of the most overcrowded countries on the planet. The tiny nation of Singapore is just 710 square km but it packs a population of 5.4 million and is home to more than 4000 high-rises.

Shanghai

Designers of this five star hotel in Shanghai have taken it below ground in a more unusual way. The Intercontinental Shimao hotel drops 100 metres down the side of an abandoned quarry and will be 19 storeys high offering 380 rooms.

Designed by UK company Atkins, two levels will be underwater and will have an aquarium looking out onto an underwater restaurant and guest rooms. The top of the hotel just pokes above the mountain, by 15 metres. The front will be visible, and the rest will be built into the mountain.

Helsinki

Battling extreme weather can also be a reason to head underground. To combat frigid winter temperatures, authorities in Helsinki, Finland commissioned the construction of an underground space for its population.

Building of the “Underground Master Plan” began in 2011 and as of last year more than 400 premises had been completed including shopping malls, ice rinks, a 50 metre pool and badminton courts.

“It’s a whole other world down there,” Eija Kivilaakso told Bloomberg, one of the urban planners behind a 2010 master blueprint to map underground spaces who have 200 more projects scheduled for the future.

New York

Most of us are familiar with the highline of New York — an elevated section of disused railway that was transformed into a bustling public space. Now the city has plans for a “Lowline”, that will overhaul an abandoned tram terminal into an underground park.

Predicted to open in 2018, the park will be powered by solar technology that would support the growth of plants deep below the surface and provide light.

London

London wants to transform its abandoned underground tube stations into urban developments including retail, entertainment, offices and gardens.

The 26 ghost stations will be developed by the Old London Underground Company who wants to tap into the economic potential of London’s underground spaces.

Another design company, Gensler, has also submitted plans for converting disused tube stations into shopping facilities, cafes and pedestrian paths.

Ian Mulcahey, co-director of designers Gensler London told the Evening Standard: “Now that London has reached the highest level of population in its history we need to think creatively about how to maximise the potential of our infrastructure.

Australia

While Australia is yet to unveil plans for an underground city, there is one town already living below the earth.

More than half the population of Coober Pedy in the outback of South Australiahave houses underground, an escape from the freezing winters and soaring summer temperatures that can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius in the shade.

Like a hidden city, there are hotels, restaurants, bars and churches underground to service the population of 4000 that may be a blueprint for Australia’s future.