Abstract visual by Christina Chan | Waterloo Architecture
Subterranean architecture, an ancient practice dating back to the dawn of human civilization, involves the innovative use of underground spaces for shelter and habitation. Even before the adjective was invented, this form of construction prevailed, also called Sub-Ground Architecture, Subversive, or Underground Architecture.
Historically, early humans turned to caves, tunnels, and underground refuges to meet their most basic survival needs. This practice has since evolved into a sophisticated architectural field, characterized by a unique blend of mystery and allure. The appeal of subterranean spaces lies in their ability to evoke both fear and fascination, creating environments that are simultaneously protective and enigmatic.
In modern times, while the race to build the tallest structures continues, a parallel movement has emerged among visionary architects who are exploring the depths beneath the earth’s surface. These subterranean designs challenge traditional notions of architecture by offering new and intriguing spatial experiences. They create environments that are at once connected yet distinct, playing on the duality of communal and isolated spaces.
This pivot reflects our complex relationship with the natural world, as the ways communities characterize subterranean spaces highlight our enduring fears and fantasies about separation from society. Today, subterranean architecture represents a fascinating intersection of the primitive and the futuristic, inviting us to reconsider our perceptions of security, seclusion, and the potential of the built environment.
Ancient v/s Modern Approach
Ancient Approach
- Historical Context: The concept of sub-ground spaces emerged as a fresh idea in the Western world at the beginning of the 18th century. However, this was never an alien concept for the Indian subcontinent, which boasts numerous ancient subterranean architectural marvels. Initial settlements such as Hampi, Warangal, and Ellora are among the oldest examples of subterranean societies.
- Early Structures: The earliest subterranean structures in India date back to the 7th century and are mostly found in Saurashtra, the peninsular region of Gujarat. As the form developed, the rituals grew around them, and the richness of the architectural expression increased. From early caves and rock-cut shelters to step-wells and kunds, these structures speak of the existence of this form of architecture.
Examples include:
Chand Baori, Abhaneri Rajasthan: Known for its intricate design and depth.
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra: A complex of rock-cut caves with historical and spiritual significance.
Bhimbetka Caves, Madhya Pradesh: Carved by primitive needs, these caves are among the earliest examples.
Step-Wells (Baolis): Ingenious structures that integrate engineering and architecture for multiple purposes including drinking, bathing, irrigation, social gatherings, and climate control.
Chand Baori, Abhaneri Rajasthan | Indian Invitations
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra | Land of Size - Spiritual and Cultural Significance: The ways communities characterize subterranean spaces are indicative of their distinctive relationship with the natural world. In India, subterranean constructions hold spiritual and cultural ties while contributing to climate and security. Early structures like the Bhimbetka caves and rock-cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora were driven by primitive needs and spiritual values. The spiritual importance of water led to the creation of step-wells, while early monasteries and stupas became centers for social and educational engagements as Hinduism and Buddhism flourished.
Bhimbetka Caves, Madhya Pradesh | Fonelover
‘Baolis’, meaning step-wells are master creations that integrate engineering and architecture, form and function to cater to requirements of drinking, bathing, irrigation, social gathering, and most importantly climatic conditions. These structures were built by Hindu rulers as a charitable gift to their kingdom and Islamic rulers retained them. Interesting fact being an addition to its utilization. The symbolic value of water continues, but the ritualistic passages give way to pleasure rooms, delightfully cool in the summer heat. For example, the Sabali Kund-vav (Ahmedabad) had its fourth side transformed into a pleasure pavilion, and set into a garden by Islamic rulers.
Sabali Kund-vav, Ahmedabad | Linkedin
Inspired by the ancient sub-ground marvel, Sanjay Puri Architects presented a contemporary adaptation of step-wells. ‘Reservoir’ (in Rajasthan), a hundred-thousand square foot tiered office complex following the form defined by the natural water collection pool.
The Reservoir, Rajasthan | Architect Magazine
Contemporary Adaptations
Modern establishments by contemporary designers blend traditional subterranean architecture with contemporary public space design. Architects such as Charles Correa, B.V. Doshi, and Rahul Mehrotra have experimented with submerged forms, creating innovative structures that integrate above and below-ground spaces.
Examples include :
- Hussain Doshi Gufa, Ahmedabad: A unique blend of art and architecture, partially submerged to create a mystical space.
- Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal: An arts complex with significant portions built below ground to harmonize with the landscape.
- Library cum Exhibition Hall at CEPT University, Ahmedabad: Designed by Rahul Mehrotra, this structure is developed both above and below the ground to control the overall scale of the building according to the campus context.
- Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum by Vir Mueller Architects, Delhi: An underground museum designed to enhance visitor experience while preserving historical context.
- Nehru Pavilion, Delhi: A modern structure that integrates subversive architectural elements.
- Museum of Socialism, Lucknow: Designed by Sourabh Gupta, this museum seeks to create a bond between its subversive structure and its users.
Hussain Doshi Gufa, Ahmedabad | Hidden Architecture
Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal | Archdaily
Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum, Delhi | Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative
Nehru Pavillion, Delhi | Raj Rewal
Obstacles of Subterranean Architecture
Subterranean architecture, despite its potential, faces several significant challenges due to its concealed nature.
- High Construction Costs: The need for massive retaining walls to control earth thrust often doubles the expenditure, making these projects financially daunting.
- Limited Natural Light and Ventilation: Ensuring proper ventilation and light management is crucial to prevent unhygienic conditions and negative perceptions of the space.
- Concealed Building Image: These structures do not contribute to the city skyline, making them difficult to recognize and accept, and raising security concerns.
- Lack of Visual Clues: The absence of extended visual connections can leave users feeling disoriented and on high alert within these spaces.
- Societal Resistance: The hidden nature of subterranean spaces can lead to hesitance in their acceptance and everyday use.
Addressing these challenges through innovative design and engineering can help realize the full potential of subterranean architecture in modern urban environments.
Eliminating the Obstacles
Subterranean spaces share a concept of duality i.e. a world within a world. Hence it would take an extra effort to get their bearing. Designers from the west have been setting benchmarks in this field by actualizing these concepts on site.
The iconic Subterranean Apple store by Foster + Partners, London’s Kingsway Exchange Tunnels turned into an experience centre by Wilkinson Eyre Architecture studio, Hill Country Wine Cave by Clayton Korte and many others explore the potential of the form.
Apple Store, Kuala Lumpur | Dezeen
London’s Kingsway Exchange Tunnels turned to an experience centre | Dezeen
Hill Country Wine Cave, USA | Dezeen
Construction costs can be balanced as the cost of mechanical cooling or heating installations is reduced. Bharat Bhawan by Charles Correa is the best example. The exhibition spaces are embedded into the earth to keep the interiors at a comfortable temperature. The sunken courtyards & skylights are employed to navigate natural light & air, creating a rich sensory experience.
Villa Aa, Norway by CF Møller Architectsl | Dezeen
Invisibility & concealment of spaces can be managed by taking inspiration from ancient constructions like rock-cut temples and step-wells that arrange spaces such that they do not overrule the surroundings, but rather blend with it. Maintaining a balance between visible & invisible spaces at regular intervals eradicates the feeling of entrapment and enhances natural surveillance.
Endowment of Subterranean Architecture to Urbanism
According to the latest data, over 56% of the Indian population lives in cities. While we need more land to accommodate the upcoming demand, it is important to decentralize and give the land back to nature for rejuvenation. To attain this balance and respond to climatic conditions our ancestors developed underground cities. The ancient subterranean dwellings of Yaodong in China cover 4,00,000 square kilometers of area and still inhabit 40 million people.
Yaodong (Loess Cave House), China | Asia Culture Travel
In 1910, Eugene Henard published a paper titled ‘The Cities of Future’ & proposed a radical change in the layout of city streetscape. This idea was used by the Office for Metropolitan Architects (OMA) for the development of Almere’s city center in the Netherlands, where a slightly curved plateau is used to cover public transportation & parking services. Floris Alkemade from OMA presents his opinion towards the city’s masterplan by saying, “Above ground & underground are not separated by a merciless 2D surface, but flow into each other by raising or lowering, bending or folding the ground level at strategic points”.
Development of Almere’s New City Center of The Netherlands | Planum
As urban populations continue to swell, the need for sustainable and space-efficient solutions becomes ever more critical. In this pivotal moment, it is imperative that we look beneath the surface—literally and metaphorically—to discover new possibilities for architectural excellence. The future of urban living may well lie in the depths, where the balance between built and unbuilt, visibility and invisibility, can be masterfully achieved. Subterranean architecture invites us to rethink our spatial paradigms and embrace a world of design that is as grounded as it is groundbreaking.
References
https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-styles/a4121-what-is-subterranean-architecture/
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/41337478.pdf
https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/subterranean/
https://www.dezeen.com/2023/10/06/underground-buildings-roundup/
https://thedesigngesture.com/subterranean-architecture/
https://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-123673
https://issuu.com/mayankgarg1/docs/mayank_garg-_manchester_school_of_a_ec9ac97ac61f1d
https://issuu.com/iab_archives/docs/vistara_book/66
https://nidm.gov.in/PDF/pubs/NIDM_UURUSIUF22.pdf