Types of Underground Buildings
Building underground provides architects and engineers with a unique set of challenges and obstacles. Nevertheless there are an array of different types of underground buildings ranging from power stations to environmentally friendly homes; many of which are among the most spectacular architectural designs in the world. Does this Spark an idea?
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Railway Systems
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The first underground railway system was built in London in 1863. Today many of the world's cities have underground railways; some of the most famous include Paris, New York, Moscow and Tokyo. The various underground stations display an array of different architectural styles. The most spectacular can be found in former socialist countries such as the Saint Petersburg and Tashkent systems, as they were designed as "palaces for the people." Cities such as Tokyo have a range of more modern stations by numerous different architects.
Power Stations
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Underground power stations are very often parts of pumped storage hydroelectricity systems. A notable example is Dinorwig Power Station in Wales, United Kingdom. It was commissioned in 1984 and was regarded as one of the world's most imaginative engineering and environmental projects. It is situated in Europe's largest man-made cavern and comprises 16 km of underground tunnels running beneath Elidir Mountain. Other examples include the Churchill Falls Power Station in Newfoundland and the Chaira Hydroelectric plant in Bulgaria, which is the largest underground power station in the world.
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Residential
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For an architect, designing a home that is largely located underground is an exciting challenge. Building underground has several advantages, including improved insulation and protection from storms as well as being unobtrusive. Nor do underground homes have to be dark; architect designs cleverly make the most of available light to create bright and welcoming spaces. For those people interested in the environment, having an underground home can also be a chance to become more eco-friendly.
Defense
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Underground constructions were used widely during World War I and II as well as the Cold War, as weapons facilities, command centers, storage facilities and also as protection. Famous subterranean military installations include Site R in the United States, which was designed as an underground control and command center during the Cold War, and the Cabinet War Rooms in London, where Winston Churchill and his cabinet met during the Blitz.
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References
- "Wealthson"; Top Ten Metro/Subway Systems of the World; Hitesh Anand; January 20, 2011
- Metrobits: Metro Arts and Architecture
- International Power First Hydro: Dinorwig Power Station
- Dornob: Underground Home Design
- "Wired"; How to Visit a Secret Nuclear Bunker; Sharon Weinberger; June, 2008
- Imperial War Museum: Cabinet War Rooms
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
