Perception Aspects in Underground Spaces using ... - TOI - TU Delft

In short, utilizing underground space would create a potential to improve our urban environmentby relieving pressure from the surface, developing better public transport networks betweencities, reducing noise and improving air quality, and leaving more green areas in city centerintact. Following these developments, in 1999 the Expertise Network Multiple Space Usage(Expertisenetwerk Meervoudig Ruimtegebruik - EMR) was established. The main aspectsunderstood under a term multiple space usage are (Lagendijk and Wisserhof, 1999):1. Intensification of space usage (improving the efficiency of space usage)2. Intertwining space usage (usage of the same space by several functions)3. Third dimension of space usage (usage of underground as well as above ground space)4. Fourth dimension of space usage (subsequent usage of the same space by several functions)In short, multiple space usage can be defined as "accomplishing more functions in a given spaceand given time" (Priemus, et. al., 2000). This strengthens the position of underground spacewithin a far larger scope. From all of the above, it is evident that the last decade represents theflourishing years for underground space research and development in the Netherlands whichcontinues to the present time. In the document 'Spatial Exploration 2001' (RuimtelijkeVerkenning 2000) the underground is recognized by policy makers as a promised land and a'final frontier' (VROM, 2000).In the Fifth Bill regarding Spatial Planning (VROM, 2001; 5de Nota Ruimtelijke Ordening), thegovernment set as a goal the development of six urban networks of similar size. These networksare urbanized areas that form a network comprised of larger and smaller compact cities, eachretaining their own characteristics within that network. This decision requires a different sort ofplanning than was done up until now. One of these urban networks is the Randstad, which nowhas evolved to a type of Delta-metropolis and is characterized by the highest density. With itssize and population, Delta-metropolis can be compared to other large urban areas in Europe andthe rest of the world. The region between and around the cities of Amsterdam, Leiden, Den Haag,Rotterdam, Gouda, Utrecht, Amersfoort and Almere is referred to as the Delta-metropolis. TheDelta-metropolis is the most densely populated part of the Netherlands. It covers an area ofaround 60 x 80 km (4800 km 2 ) where altogether 5 million people live and work. It has a veryhigh population density of more than 1000 inhabitants per km 2 . This is the main reason it isreferred to as a metropolis. It is also a region that lies in the delta of Rijn, Maas and Schelderivers. This explains the name delta. In the same Bill, the amount of functions expressed in m 2and required for future development were given as well (VROM, 2001). These requirementsclearly show that the pressure on the urban areas increases and therefore the necessity toreconsider and restructure cities becomes greater. In this Bill, three main intervention strategieswere proposed:- intensification- combination- transformationThese strategies should lead to more efficient space usage so that new/extra functions can beincorporated. In that respect, the multiple space usage, including building underground as animportant part of it, is indicated by the policy makers as important options in future planning. Anexample of these three strategies is the Master Plan Rotterdam CS, where an existing interchangestation is being developed into a mobility hub with high concentration of recreational activities,business and apartments (Alsop Architects, 2001). The important station locations in Deltametropolisbut also in other areas are seen as generators of activities. It is an efficient way to- 11 -