Underground micro city: humanization spatial integrated design strategy

Abstract

Modern cities are no longer at the period of unrestricted expansion; instead, they are taking on a more dense and complex structure, and urban public space is taking on a vertical development trend, resulting in Compact Cities. In this context, underground space is gradually establishing itself as a vital link between civic public spaces. However, the underground and aboveground spaces are totally divided, and the types of conversion space are limited. On the other hand, the topic of humanization has been overlooked due to the complexity of underground space. As a result, this study focuses on spatial integrated design and attempts to develop a design approach from a humanization standpoint.

From the perspective of psychology and phenomenology, this research uses perceptual phenomenology, city map and orientation systems, and the thinking of Genius Loci as a tool and reference for humanized design. The void space is seen as a way to connect the entire underground system in this study. By planning cognitive map in advance, and providing clear positioning of time and space, architecture design will greatly influence the underground user`s comfort. To strengthen the emotional and identification, architectural elements and natural elements will be organized with a humanization perspective.

Finally, this study proposes three principles for a humanized spatial integrated design strategy: integrity and the use of void, cognitive mapping, and placemaking. Seeing complex underground architecture as a small city, the design strategy is named as Underground Micro City. The Micro City complicates a single structure, turns a two-dimensional city into a three-dimensional one, and organize the design process based on how people perceive the environment.

This study uses a subterranean cultural center in the Xian Hi-tech Industries Development Zone as an example of the architectural design process for a humanized underground space node, as directed by the strategy.

Award-winning