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

CHAPTER 1Introduction1.1. Background and research problemThroughout the centuries, the Netherlands has been confronted with various interests that havecompeted for space, placing more and more pressure on scarce land. The economic growth,which characterized the last decade, caused an additional pressure not only on land due to newfunctional requirements but also on spatial quality. The new development strategies are verymuch aligned with these issues. In the Fifth Bill regarding Spatial Planning of the Netherlands(VROM, 2001), the main strategies for future developments are intensification, combination andtransformation with a goal to utilize existing urban space more efficiently and effectively and atthe same time provide better spatial quality. In that context, the concept of multiple space usageis accentuated, which would focus on an intensive 4-dimensional spatial exploration. In thedocument 'Spatial Exploration 2000' (Ruimtelijke Verkenning 2000) the underground space isrecognized by policy makers as an important new 'frontier' that could provide significantcontribution to future spatial requirements as an essential part of multiple space usage (VROM,2000).In a relatively short period, underground space became an important research area. This space hasthe potential to improve urban environment by relieving pressure from the surface, improvingmobility by expanding public transport network, reducing noise and improving air quality,leaving more green areas in the city center intact, and reducing distances by better concentrationof functions and efficient use of space. This altogether should help improve quality of life inurban areas, but at the same time, these spaces should guarantee their own quality as well. In1994, Dutch government initiated the establishment of the COB (Center for BuildingUnderground - Centrum Ondergronds Bouwen) which would coordinate the research andknowledge accumulation related to underground space. Although among specialists there is anappreciation of what underground space could provide for densely populated urban areas, thereare still reserved feelings from the public, which are related to the poor quality of these spaces.According to Horvat (Horvat, et. al., 1997), among various technical and juridical issues, one ofthe important potential hindering factors for underground space utilization are psychological- 1 -