Architecture underground: the development of underground spaces in megacities as an urban development trend
The current level of urbanization dictates its own conditions for the development of large cities. In a situation of a significant shortage of vacant urban land, in addition to the active development of new neighborhoods and the construction of high-rise buildings, there is a need for comprehensive development of underground spaces.
Perhaps the most illustrative examples that are known to everyone are the Eurotunnel, a railway tunnel under the English Channel connecting Great Britain and France, and the Grand Louvre project in Paris. Architect Yu Ming Pei, the author of the reconstruction project for one of the world's most famous museums, placed all administrative and office premises underground, and the central entrance is located in a pyramid in the center of Napoleon's courtyard. This made it possible to preserve the architectural appearance of the palace, and the construction of an underground room increased the area for receiving museum visitors. The Underground Public Area in Montreal (RESO) is another example of the efficient use of underground space as retail space.
Russian examples are, first of all, the Moscow Metro, which was put into operation in 1935 and changed the "transport image" of the city, the metro in St. Petersburg. The experience of the Northern Capital at the 100+ Forum Russia will be considered on the example of Vosstaniya Square, which plays a major role in the urban planning structure of the city. The solution proposed by the architects for a complex transport hub in the center of St. Petersburg includes an interchange with the organization of a tunnel alongLigovsky Prospekt, under Nevsky Prospekt, a shopping center located under the entire Vosstaniya Square, a parking lot and a shopping street under Nevsky Prospekt. The theme will be presented by Yuri Zemtsov, architect, head and partner of the architectural bureau Zemtsov, Kondiain and Partners.
Several key sessions of the 100+ ForumRussia 2016 are devoted to the topical topic of underground construction and the effective functioning of the urban environment. For the first time in a professional environment, Russian and international experience in this field will be studied in such detail. Among the main issues at the forum: innovative solutions in the design and construction of underground structures and complexes, the development of comfortable and efficient underground space – pedestrian zones, new transport hubs, tunnels. The balance of merging modern design with the historical ensemble of the city will be considered, which is relevant for many megacities. Another important topic for large cities will be a review of global and Russian technologies in subway design.