Underground Architecture
More and more attention is being paid to the attractiveness of underground spaces these days. This is evident, for example, in the interior and other design of parking facilities and the accessways leading to them.
The planning of underground spaces located in bedrock gives architects an opportunity to utilise the living and versatile rock surface. Rock engineers need to understand and know how to dimension the underground space as a rock-framed, self-supporting structure. The outcome is not only cheaper than a concrete-framed space, but at least in the opinion of the author of this paper, also far more beautiful.
Placing tunnel entrances into the existing urban structure is one of the most demanding parts of planning.
The space in the city centre is getting increasingly cramped, and there are not many free spots for building above ground. This issue was up for discussion at the Amos Anderson Art Museum when its future was being considered. A new idea was born, which concerned acquiring more space below ground as well as connecting Lasipalatsi (one of the most iconic buildings in Helsinki) and the museum to form a whole. The project was named Amos Rex, and the museum was opened in 2018 after the renovations and construction had been completed. The transition from Lasipalatsi Square to underground is unnoticeable, and natural light is channelled into the building.