Urban underground space for resilient cities

Abstract

Urban resilience is the ability of an urban environment, including its infrastructure and inhabitants, to remain functioning in the face of acute shocks and chronic stresses. This paper explores the role underground space plays in urban resilience, considering both short-term events and long-term changes. Underground structures are inherently resilient against damage caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, but they can be at higher risk of damage due to sudden flooding. The risk of flooding requires special attention in the context of climate change, as the risk of sudden flood events rises. At the same time underground space offers opportunities to help reduce climate change impacts, and use of underground space is essential in realizing compact and energy efficient cities, and as such is an essential component of a resilient city.