Underground Urbanism

For many cities, growing up and out is no longer sufficient to meet their development needs. Urben will host an event introducing key considerations and innovations in planning and designing underground spaces. From iceberg mansions in Knightsbridge to data centres in rock caverns, we will look at best practice in underground development, policy challenges and techniques for planning and design of these important but overlooked parts of our cities.

Welcome

Overview

Elizabeth Reynolds(10)

• Why should urbanists be considering the spaces below cities and what are some of the constraints including cultural perceptions on underground space.
• Current underground development challenges for London

Understanding the underground

Stephanie Bricker (20)

• Natural services provided beneath cities
• Research into better understanding how data and science can be used to support urban development
• The Future Cities Catapult

Design response - A case study of the Brunel Museum

Jerry Tate (20)

• Introduction to Tate Harmer
• Brief for the Brunel museum upgrade
• Specific considerations for bringing an under-utilised below ground space to life e.g. access, way finding, vertical integration, safety, light & ventilation
• Differences / similarities in designing underground vs. surface level buildings
• Lessons learnt for similar spaces e.g. disused London Underground stations

Strategies for Underground Urbanism

Elizabeth Reynolds (20)

• International case studies
• 3D spatial plans
• Infill development sites
• Safeguarding
• Design considerations & guidance
• Next steps for London

Q&A (15)