The concept of underground city covers a variety of places for human activities, including residential homes, commercial areas, transportation systems, storage spaces, and even funeral places for the deceased. These sheltered spaces not only serve as defensive bastions for the city, but also provide an effective way to avoid the effects of inclement weather. As the challenges posed by climate change continue to expand, the design and construction of underground cities are receiving increasing attention. This article will explore underground cities in different cultural and geographical contexts, and how innovative design and technology have enabled these hidden spaces to continue to thrive throughout history and into the modern era.
In China, Beijing's underground city is a striking example, a network of tunnels built during the Cold War to protect against foreign enemies. The tunnels were open to the public until 2008, but were closed again for safety and maintenance reasons. Guangzhou's underground commercial district is more modern, connecting dozens of large commercial buildings to form a huge underground shopping center.
Guangzhou's underground commercial space covers an area of 150,000 square meters, providing a huge market for merchants.
The underground facilities in many European cities are equally surprising. In Paris, in addition to the famous Paris Catacombs, there is an intricate system of mines and tunnels dating back to the Middle Ages. These tunnels were once shelters, but have also become places for artists to create and for modern cultural events.
Paris's underground tunnel network is 300 kilometers long, and parts of it are still open to the public.
In some parts of South America, underground cities served more than just commercial purposes; they also provided social and cultural intersections. For example, in the city of Lima, Peru, underground spaces are used to accommodate various commercial and cultural activities, creating a unique community atmosphere. These underground designs combine aesthetics and practicality, attracting many tourists to explore.
With the advancement of technology and the emphasis on environmentally friendly building concepts, future underground cities may move towards more sustainable development. The combination of ecological architecture, intelligent facilities and green design may become an important feature of underground cities. For example, the underground link currently under construction in Singapore not only improves traffic efficiency but also helps create a green urban environment.
ConclusionIn summary, the development of underground cities is not only a continuation of history, but also a part of modern urban planning. They not only preserve cultural heritage but also adapt to current climate and social changes. This evolution makes us wonder how future cities will use underground space to meet ever-changing challenges?