This book highlights the untapped potential of underground spaces as a pivotal resource for climate resilience and sustainable urban development. The book explores diverse perspectives, methodologies, and case studies that collectively illuminate the myriad ways in which subterranean environments can be harnessed to address the challenges of a changing climate and burgeoning urban populations.
The book opens with an examination of Warsaw's Metro System, showcasing its role as a vital component in walkable urbanism, identifying best practices, and addressing existing barriers. Moving forward, the authors explore the integration of underground archeological spaces in Downtown Amman, emphasizing their contribution to climate adaptation and sustainable urban development.
Chapters span the globe, from reviving underground practices to adapt to heat stress in unspecified locations, to unraveling the Qanat System of Yazd and its impact on urban climate resilience. "Rock Skin" introduces a process toward geological empathy, while the exploration of underground data centers and georadar technology in Jakarta highlights the technological advancements shaping the future of underground spaces.
"Unveiling the Subterranean Frontier" also examines unconventional aspects such as reimagining subway station design, the utilization of underground spaces for geothermal energy, and the vital role of soil life as underground infrastructure for urban climate resilience. The book concludes with a chapter on synergies in sustainable underground space development, providing a holistic perspective on the subject.
This timely and interdisciplinary compilation aims to contribute to the evolving discourse on urban resilience and sustainability, providing valuable insights for researchers, urban planners, and policymakers alike.
Introduction - Beneath the surface, unveiling the untapped potential of subterranean.- Do look down: Reviving underground urban spaces to adapt to heat stress.- Exploring Warsaw Metro: subterranean solutions for walkability in cities.- Exploring the Past for a Better Tomorrow.- Synergies in Focus: Unlocking the potential of sustainable underground space development.- Utilising the subsurface for sustainable green energy solutions.- BiodiverCITY: Urban Soil Life as Vital Underground Infrastructure for Urban Climate Resilience.
Mahak Agrawal is an urban planner, climate scientist, public policy and sustainability expert, global thought leader, LinkedIn Top (Green) Voice, and former United Nations fellow. She is the founder of the All Bits Count (ABC) Initiative which was launched at the UN Summit of the Future during New York Climate Week 2024. She is also the Steering Board Member (Urban Adaptation) of the ITA-AITES Committee on Underground Spaces (ITACUS). As a Shardashish Scholar and Environmental fellow at Columbia Universitys School of International and Public Affairs, Mahak earned her second masters in public administration, specialising in environmental science and policy. As an environmental fellow at Columbia University, Mahak led the research project examining the future of food systems through its demand-supply chains. She earned her first masters degree in urban planning from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, India. She is a recognized expert in climate policy, carbon management, urban sustainability, and social impact. She is also nominated by the Government of India's Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change as a Lead Author to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In her spare time, she creates sustainable artwork with her mum.
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