SUBSURFACEURBANISM
FALL 2009
Northeastern University School of Architecture
ARCH G691 Graduate Degree Project Studio
FALL 2009
Northeastern University School of ArchitectureARCH G691 Graduate Degree Project Studio
JOHN CARLI
PHILIP CHANEY
IRENE CHENG
LINDSEY DUBOSAR
ALBEN LAJKA
DANIEL OTTOCHIAN
SUBSURFACEURBANISM
I. INTRODUCTION
Perspectives
Urban Strata Section
Case Studies
Reasons We Go Under
II. PROGRAM
Layout
Program Connectivity
II. CIRCULATION
Connection Methods
Sprawl Layout
Organized Layout
III. ORIENTATION
Surface Signage
Underground Signage
Mapping Strategies
Site Strategies
Positional Strategies
Table of Contents
2
3
5
11
17
18
23
27
28
31
33
37
39
47
101
103
105
107
109
111
113
VI. SURFACE BROACHING
Surface Hole
Head House
Surface Peel
Double Loaded
Surface Void
Interlocking
Distortion
IV. SYSTEMS
Beneath The Surface
Layering
Deep Water
Structure
Electric
Cable
Water
Steam
Gas
Transportation
Sewage
Natural Lighting
Artificial Lighting
V. CODES
Subsurface Space Diagram
Compartmentation
Emergency Power
Elevators & Lobbies
Occupant Load
Means of Egress
Emergency Controls
59
61
62
63
65
67
69
71
73
75
77
79
81
85
87
89
91
93
95
97
Introductionintr
oduction
2
SUIntroduction
PerspectivesAs a city responds to its environment, it grows either outward, upward or both. This book focuses on
underground construction as a response to urban development. The expanded field of architecture now
holds a new direction: down. Here we seek to review the steps needed in order to approach success when
building below the surface. The relationship between a building and its surrounding environment usually
defines the project’s aesthetic and form, however, it is up to the architect to define the diastem between the
final strata of the earth below and the urban infill of the sky above. Designing for such an alliance requires
a greater understanding of the many aspects of subsurface urbanism.
OVERVIEW
What is subsurface urbanism? It’s primary focus is
on the extension of cities beneath the ground plane
as defined by their geography, topography, as well
as economic, political, and social catalysts that
influence planning to extend deeper. The effects
on, and caused by, the built environment above the
surface define the city as a whole as it extends itself
downward, responding to density, the existing
infrastructure, climate and urban culture. Typically
subsurface urbanism is a reaction to great densities
aboveground, which then require a vast transport
network underground. The integration of the
disciplines of land use and transportation planning
to explore a wide range of aspects of the built and
social environments of urbanized municipalities are
then expanded beyond what is typical to create a
“second city” below the surface. What you will come
to realize is that defining subsurface urbanism is
like defining the undefinable. The topic is in a
constant state of evolution, including many different
aspects of architecture and city planning. As the
underground city begins to absorb the qualities of
the original city above, there is an ever-growing
need to explore this site type and provide architects
and urban planners with the steps necessary in
order to promote continuous success. Through
in-depth research and careful analysis, one will be
able to comprehend the many aspects of subsurface
urbanism. The evolution of the dense fabric that is
the underground city is dependent on this
knowledge and how it may be appropriately applied
in order to ensure the success of the city overall.
UNDERVIEW
Everyday, millions of people walk along the city
streets, but few come to realize that the very
things that keep the city alive are active just
below them. Beneath the buildings and streets of
the twenty-first century city lie vast networks of
infrastructure and utilities that allow for the
continuous operation of the city above. The
bigger the metropolis, the more vast these
networks become, so big that they even begin to
include people. Corridors and tunnels burrow
through the earth, linking destinations on the
congested surface. Either by foot or public
transit, millions of people use these hidden
networks to efficiently get from place to place.
By better understanding the things we don’t see
or recognize too obviously, we as architects will
be able to design and plan for a more comfortable
experience beneath the surface.
intro
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SUIntroduction
Urban Strata Section
introduction
4
introduction
introduction
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SUIntroduction
Urban Strata Section
introduction
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program
Program
Layout
Program Connectivity
17
18
16
pro
gra
m
pro
gra
m
SUProgramLayout
The typical layout of subsurface urbanism consists
of: retail, transportation, public space and parking.
Public spaces are used to connect retail,
transportation and parking. These public spaces
allow for multi-function use.
The layout to the left shows a typical program
configuration within the subsurface realm. The
largest components are usually retail and
transportation.
Parking is a vital component, as it allows for patrons
utilizing services within the underground city to
store their vehicles.
The sectional perspective to the right is showing
connections between the program components of
transportation and underground public space.
In addition to metro/train service, transportation
access includes bus and taxi service.
Underground public space typically includes
services such as ticket booths, turnstyles,
information kiosks, restrooms, food courts, and
recreational spaces. It also serves as a connection
hub between the street level and transportation
components.
PUBLIC SPACE
RETAIL
TRANSPORTATION
PARKING
17
SUProgram
Program Connectivity
18
TRANSPORTATION
PUBLIC SPACE
pro
gra
m
pro
gra
m
SUProgramProgram Connectivity
19
TRANSPORTATION
RETAIL
PARKING
PUBLIC SPACE
The diagram on the left shows how parking is easily
accesed through street level, allowing for circulation
between the public space and retail components.
The diagram to the right shows how a retail anchor
store allows the connection from the street level to
the underground city.
20
RETAIL
TRANSPORTATION
PUBLIC SPACE
pro
gra
m
circulation
circulation
Circulation
circulation
Connection Methods
Sprawl Layout
Organized Layout
23
27
28
22
circulation
circulation
Circulation
circulation
Connection Methods
Sprawl Layout
Organized Layout
23
27
28
22
circulation
Escalators
circulation
SUCirculation
Connection Methods
23
Stairs
circulation
24
circulation
Escalators
circulation
SUCirculation
Connection Methods
23
Stairs
circulation
24
circulation
SUCirculation
Connection Methods
Elevators
circulation
25
RampsConveyors
circulation
26
circulation
SUCirculation
Connection Methods
Elevators
circulation
25
RampsConveyors
circulation
26
27
Program
Sprawled Circulation
circulation
SUCirculation
Layouts
28
Organized
Circulation
Program
circulation
circulation
27
Program
Sprawled Circulation
circulation
SUCirculation
Layouts
28
Organized
Circulation
Program
circulation
circulation
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34
Door Signage
Wall Signage
Overhead Signage
Ground Signage Stand Signage
Typical signage underground can generally be found on all faces of the space: the walls, ground,
and ceiling, with the addition of stand signage that can be placed temporariliy. These signs are
typically used in order to navigate individuals within the space, leading them to not only pro
grams and services, but emergency egress and branding as well.
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Metro Mall Underground Shop
Osaka Station Mall
Ploshchad Vosstaniya Mall, Russia
orientation
Material ChangeA change in material versus a constant use of one material may also orient individuals within a site. These changes can relate an even higher level of information by showing shifts in program or resemble the changes in the city above. A common example of this may be the use of tile in subway stations at the present.
50
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syste
ms
Systems
syste
ms
Beneath The Surface
Layering
Deep Water
Structure
Electric
Cable
Water
Steam
Gas
Transportation
Sewage
Natural Lighting
Artificial Lighting
59
61
62
63
65
67
69
71
73
75
77
79
81
58
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
59
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
60
SUSystems
Beneath The Surface
The space beneath the city-dweller’s feet is almost always taken for granted. The volume of space underneath
the city is filled with many systems that are essential to human occupation. The utilities and various networks that
are hidden beneath the surface are the life-lines that keep the city operating and allow for such high populations
to coexist.
syste
ms
61
SUSystemsLayering
DEEP WATER
SEWAGE
TRANSPORTATION
GAS
STEAM
WATER
CABLE
ELECTRIC
DIASTEM
200-800 FEET
0-50 FEET
STRUCTURE
LIGHTING
ABANDONED
50-200 FEET
syste
ms
62
SUSystemsDeep Water
Deep Water Systems transport fresh water from distant reservoirs to the central city.
The water is usually displaced as a result of the massive tunnel’s established angle so
that gravity is the driving force. These tunnels can be hundreds of miles long and have a
diameter as wide as the surrounding natural materials may permit. This modern form of
the aqueduct may be located as far down in the earth as 800 feet. Sometimes, in order
to speed water flow, the tunnel’s diameter shrinks as it approaches its final destination
in the urban setting.
FLOATING
FOUNDATION
SLURRY WALL
WITH TIEBACK
STEEL ENCASED
CONCRETE
REINFORCED
CONCRETE
SOLID
CONCRETE
WOOD WITH
CONCRETE CAP
FLOATING FOUNDATIONSUsed when soil conditions are unstable and
when the area of the site is great enough to
carry the distributed load.
TYPICAL FRICTION PILESStability is created by the pressure or friction developed between the surface of the pile and the
soil which it is forced into. The concrete cap atop the piles acts as a footing. Used when soil
conditions are unstable.
TYPICAL BEARING PILESTransmit their load directly down through their base into lower stratum. Used
when solid bearing material is reachable beneath soil. This may be as deep as
200 feet.
TYPICAL PIERSTransmit most of their load through their base into solid bearing material. A column
of any shape is removed from earth and infilled with concrete. If a pier does not
reach solid bearing material, it is belled out to increase load distribution.
SLURRY WALL WITH TIEBACKHolds back surrounding earth to maintain
pressure and enclose the site. Used in areas
with a high water table.
“H”
PILE
REINFORCED PIER
WITH LINING
PIER
WITH LINING
PIER
WITH BELL
PILE REINFORCED
WITH STEEL BEAM
PIPE
PILE
syste
ms
63
SUSystemsStructure
FLOATING
FOUNDATION
SLURRY WALL
WITH TIEBACK
STEEL ENCASED
CONCRETE
REINFORCED
CONCRETE
SOLID
CONCRETE
WOOD WITH
CONCRETE CAP
FLOATING FOUNDATIONSUsed when soil conditions are unstable and
when the area of the site is great enough to
carry the distributed load.
TYPICAL FRICTION PILESStability is created by the pressure or friction developed between the surface of the pile and the
soil which it is forced into. The concrete cap atop the piles acts as a footing. Used when soil
conditions are unstable.
TYPICAL BEARING PILESTransmit their load directly down through their base into lower stratum. Used
when solid bearing material is reachable beneath soil. This may be as deep as
200 feet.
TYPICAL PIERSTransmit most of their load through their base into solid bearing material. A column
of any shape is removed from earth and infilled with concrete. If a pier does not
reach solid bearing material, it is belled out to increase load distribution.
SLURRY WALL WITH TIEBACKHolds back surrounding earth to maintain
pressure and enclose the site. Used in areas
with a high water table.
“H”
PILE
REINFORCED PIER
WITH LINING
PIER
WITH LINING
PIER
WITH BELL
PILE REINFORCED
WITH STEEL BEAM
PIPE
PILE
syste
ms
64
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
65
2
34
5
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
66
SUSystems
Electric
1
1. Electricity is typically produced at a power plant and transfered through thick cables enclosed in pressurized pipes within concrete ducts to
transformer stations around the city. From here it is carried through smaller cables all around the city.
2. Primary ducts separate at manholes where they are easily accessed.
3. Secondary ducts bring power to transformer vaults.
4. Transformer vaults reduce voltage to the necessary amount used for each building.
5. Power is directed from manhole to light posts and other forms of powered utilities.
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
67
2
4
5
3
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
68
SUSystems
Cable
1. A main cable contains as much as 6000 wires, allowing for 3000 simoultaneous conversations to occur in the area this cable is servicing.
These wires are wrapped together in aluminum and coated in neoprene.
2. Main cables separate at manholes where they are easily accessed.
3. Secondary cables bring telephone operations to buildings.
4. Tertiary cables permit signals to reach city utilities.
5. Traffic lights, crosswalk signs, phone booths, emergency phones and alarms use these cables to function properly and regularly.
1
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
5
syste
ms
69
3
4
6
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
70
SUSystems
Water
1
1. Water taken from the deep water system is stored in local reservoirs or tanks then brought into areas through regular pressure main pipes
which rely on gravity to permit flow.
2. High pressure main pipes allow for excess water to be pumped at any point in the case of an emergency.
3. Valves control pressure and allow water to escape for use.
4. Manholes connect main pipes to submain pipes and permit easy access.
5. Submain pipes bring water to branch lines.
6. Branch lines carry water to buildings, fire hydrants, and fountains.
2
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
71
2
3
4
5
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
72
SUSystems
Steam
1. Steam produced by electric power plants is brought into the area through main pipes encased in thick concrete as to not destroy other
utilities.
2. Steam is collected and distributed in manholes.
3. A small pipe drains collected condersation into sewage system.
4. Secondary pipes bring steam into buildings where it is used for heating or sometimes run under sidewalks to melt snow and collected ice.
5. Valves control pressure and the release of steam.
1
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
73
2
3
4
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
74
SUSystems
Gas
1. Gas travels through steel or thick plastic pipes from pockets of natural gas, hundreds of feet below the surface.
2. Valves control gas flow or completely shut the pipe down in the case of an emergency.
3. Branch pipes carry gas into buildings where it is used for temperature control, hot water, and cooking.
4. Branch valves control or prevent gas flow into invidual buildings.
1
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
5
6
syste
ms
75
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
76
SUSystems
Transportation
1. The subway head-house signifies the station location and is the main entrance into the system.
2. The station mezzanine is where passengers purchase tickets and enter through turnstyles toward the train.
3. The station platform allows the train to stop for loading and unloading its passengers.
4. Subway trains transfer people all around a city. Usually, the bigger the city or the more populated it is, the bigger the transportation system.
5. Ventilation shafts circulate air in and out of the subway station with massive high-powered fans.
6. Emergency exit stairs allow passengers to escape in the case of an emergency.
43
2
1
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
77
5
3
4
2
TYPICAL BEARING PILES
TRANSMIT THEIR LOAD DIRECTLY DOWN THROUGH THEIR BASE INTO LOWER STRATUM. USED
WHEN SOLID BEARING MATERIAL IS REACHABLE BENEATH SOIL. THIS MAY BE AS DEEP AS 200 FEET.
12” STEEL PIPE
PRESSURIZED OIL
OIL IMPREGNATED PAPER
COPPER/ALUMINUM
syste
ms
78
SUSystems
Sewage
1. Main sewer tunnels remove dirty water and waste from the urban area.
2. Manholes permit workers to easily access the sewage system.
3. Sometimes clay pipes are used to transfer waste because of their resistance to their chemical properties.
4. Waste that buildings produce flow through branch pipes into the main arteries of the sewer.
5. Catch basins collect rain water natural waste, and sometimes even polluted materials.
1
syste
ms
79
1
2
3
4 5 6
7
8 9
10
11 13
12
1. Exterior Light Well: Allows for light to penetrate beyond the surface and reach multiple levels below grade. Typically between two spaces
of underground space or between structural edge and faced retaining wall.
2. Mirrors: Light is manipulated and directed into spaces below the surface by setting the mirrors at optimal angles to reduce the need for
artificial lighting.
syste
ms
80
SUSystems
Natural Lighting
3. Light Shelf: Usually white or reflective, light shelves “bounce” light into spaces while also acting as a rain shield.
4. Glass Block Skylight: Their cut and form refract and collect light, causing them to glow. They are also strong enough to have pedestrians walk on
top of them at surface level.
5. Raised Surface Skylight: The subsurface structure’s roof is raised at areas most effective to introduce natural light.
6. Sloped Skylight: Most typical form of skylight. Permits light infiltration and denies rain collection.
7. Surface Level: Raising the level immediately below grade to breach the surface permits light to pierce underground.
8. Interior Windows: Indirect light can reach deeper spaces in any direction.
9. Atrium: The most effective way of bringing light underground while providing a comfortable public space.
10. Floor Break: Allows light to continuously beam to lower levels.
11. Reflective Floor: Light is able to extend deeper within a space, allowing for indirect light in adjacent spaces.
12. Reflective Ceiling: Works with other reflective surfaces to extend the depth of light penetration.
13. Reflective Wall: Intensifies natual light as well as artificial light.
! " #
$ %&
!
"
#
$
&
%
syste
ms
81
! " #
$ %&
!
"
#
$
&
%
syste
ms
82
SUSystems
Artificial Lighting
1. Overhead Flouresant Lighting
2. Light Polls
3. Pendant Lighting
4. Recessed Lighting
5. Track Lighting
6. Wall Sconces
code
Code
code
84
Subsurface Space Diagram
Compartmentation
Emergency Power
Elevators & Lobbies
Occupant Load
Means of Egress
Emergency Controls
85
87
89
91
93
95
97
code
SUCodeSubsurface Space Diagram
EXIT PASSAGEWAY
COMMON SPACE
UNDEVELOPED
SPACE
EXISTING BUILDING
FOOTPRINT
SUBSURFACE ROADWAY PARKING
PA
RK
ING
PA
RK
ING
PARKING
SUBSURFACE
RETAIL
UNEXCAVATED
ROADWAY
85
code
ROADWAY PARKING
PARKING
PARKING
PARKINGROADWAY
ROADWAY PARKING
PARKING
PARKING
PARKINGROADWAY
ROADWAY PARKING
PARKING
PARKING
PARKINGROADWAY
EXISTING BUILDING FOOTPRINT
In many cases of subsurface urbanism,
existing buildings on the surface are
translated below grade to produce
additional square footage for the owner.
In this case the existing building facade
is brought below grade to create the
space shown to the left.
UNDEVELOPED SPACE
Undeveloped Space has been mined
but has not been altered for the use
of advanced industrial capacity,
technological sophistication, or
economic productivity.
DEVELOPED SPACE
Developed Space is the area of a
subterranean space that has been
altered for the use of advanced
industrial capacity, technological
sophistication, or economic
productivity.
86
code
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
UN
IT 2
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
-30’
-20’
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
LEVEL -1
-10’
-60’
-50’
-40’
-30’
LEVEL -6
LEVEL -5
LEVEL -4
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
-20’
LEVEL -1
-10’
BUILDING
SERVICES
BUILDING
SERVICES
SUCodeCompartmentation
Compartmentation is required when an underground building has
exceeded 30 feet below the level of exit discharge. Compartmentation
requires that each unit is separated by smoke barriers and is
serviced independently from one another. As the depth increases to
60 feet or more, the depth shall be divided into two separate, equal
compartments or units. As shown in the above diagram.
87
code
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
UN
IT 2
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
-30’
-20’
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
LEVEL -1
-10’
-60’
-50’
-40’
-30’
LEVEL -6
LEVEL -5
LEVEL -4
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
-20’
LEVEL -1
-10’
BUILDING
SERVICES
BUILDING
SERVICES
88
code
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
UN
IT 2
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
-30’
-20’
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
LEVEL -1
-10’
-60’
-50’
-40’
-30’
LEVEL -6
LEVEL -5
LEVEL -4
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
-20’
LEVEL -1
-10’
BUILDING
SERVICES
BUILDING
SERVICES
STAND BY
GENERATOR
STAND BY
GENERATOR
SUCodeEmergency Power
Emergency Power Generation is required for each seperate
compartment. The following loads require emergency power,
Emergency Voice/ alarm communication systems, Fire alarm
systems, Automatic fire detection systems, Elevator car lighting
systems, Means of egress and exit sign illumination.
89
code
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
UN
IT 2
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
-30’
-20’
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
LEVEL -1
-10’
-60’
-50’
-40’
-30’
LEVEL -6
LEVEL -5
LEVEL -4
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
-20’
LEVEL -1
-10’
BUILDING
SERVICES
BUILDING
SERVICES
STAND BY
GENERATOR
STAND BY
GENERATOR
90
code
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
UN
IT 2
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
-30’
-20’
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
LEVEL -1
-10’
-60’
-50’
-40’
-30’
LEVEL -6
LEVEL -5
LEVEL -4
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
-20’
LEVEL -1
-10’
LOBBIES
ELEVATOR ELEVATOR
SUCodeElevator and Lobbies
Where elevators are provided, each compartment shall have direct
access to an elevator. Where an elevator serves more than one
compartment, an elevator lobby shall be provided and shall be
separated from each compartment by a smoke barrier.
91
code
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
UN
IT 2
UN
IT 1
SU
BS
UR
FA
CE
-30’
-20’
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
LEVEL -1
-10’
-60’
-50’
-40’
-30’
LEVEL -6
LEVEL -5
LEVEL -4
LEVEL -3
LEVEL -2
-20’
LEVEL -1
-10’
LOBBIES
ELEVATOR ELEVATOR
92
code
PUBLIC SPACE
20
0 S
F
15
SF
5 S
F
PARKINGASSEMBLY
PARKIN
G G
ARAGE
STO
R
AG
E, S
TOC
K
, SHIP
GRADE FLO
OR A
REAS
AREAS O
N FLO
ORS
KITC
HEN/ C
OM
MERCIA
L
CONCENTR
ATED
STA
NDIN
G S
PACE
UNCONCENTR
ATED
RETAIL
20
0 S
F
7 S
F
5 S
F
60
SF
15
SF
30
SF
30
0 S
F
20
0 S
F
PARKINGMERCANTILEKITCHENASSEMBLY
UNCONCENTR
ATED
PARKIN
G G
ARAGE
STA
NDIN
G S
PACE
SUCodeOccupant Load
93
code
PUBLIC SPACE
20
0 S
F
15
SF
5 S
F
PARKINGASSEMBLY
PARKIN
G G
ARAGE
STO
R
AG
E, S
TOC
K
, SHIP
GRADE FLO
OR A
REAS
AREAS O
N FLO
ORS
KITC
HEN/ C
OM
MERCIA
L
CONCENTR
ATED
STA
NDIN
G S
PACE
UNCONCENTR
ATED
RETAIL
20
0 S
F
7 S
F
5 S
F
60
SF
15
SF
30
SF
30
0 S
F
20
0 S
F
PARKINGMERCANTILEKITCHENASSEMBLY
UNCONCENTR
ATED
PARKIN
G G
ARAGE
STA
NDIN
G S
PACE
94
code
SUCodeMeans of Egress
OCCUPANT LOAD OF 500 TO 1000
SEPARATION OF EXITS NO MORE THAN 300’
SEPARATION OF EXITS NO MORE THAN 300’
OCCUPANT LOAD OF 1000+
95
code
OCCUPANT LOAD OF 500 TO 1000
SEPARATION OF EXITS NO MORE THAN 300’
SEPARATION OF EXITS NO MORE THAN 300’
OCCUPANT LOAD OF 1000+
96
code
NAVIGATE
SIGN
BRAND
MARK
N
o
t
e
SUCodeEmergency Controls
97
code
NAVIGATE
SIGN
BRAND
MARK
N
o
t
e
Illuminated Exit Signs
Automatic SprinklersIndoor Fire Suppression
Systems
Illuminated Exit Path
98
Surface Broaching
Surface Hole
Head House
Surface Peel
Double Loaded
Surface Void
Interlocking
Distortion
101
103
105
107
109
111
113
100
Name: Paris Metro Stop
Architect: H. Guimard
Location: Paris, FR
Status: Completed
Name: New York Metro stops
Lafayette Avenue
Twentythird Street
Architect: -
Location: New York, New York
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
102101
SUSurfaceSurface Hole
su
rface
surfa
ce
Entrance Indication
Surface Hole
Subsurface Level
The easiest way of breaching the sur-
face datum is by simply removing a section
of the existing surface plane. This allows for
little urban intervention and that is architec-
turally required is some indication that there
is an access way down to the subsurface.
This is typically done with guardrails around
the hole and some sort of signage. The pho-
tos to the right depict three common ways of
creating an unconditioned hole.
This type of entrance is typically used
for subways that do not require any type of
air conditioning. Stairs lead down from the
surface directly to platforms with gates as
the only means of security. Conditioned
spaces do not use these entrances since
there is an insufficient amount of street front-
age for retail or commercial use.
These types of entrances remain unas-
sociated with the street facade and reside in
parks and the edge of sidewalks. The intent
is a direct connection with the surface that
retains the distinction of surfaces.
Name: Paris Metro Stop
Architect: H. Guimard
Location: Paris, FR
Status: Completed
Name: New York Metro stops
Lafayette Avenue
Twentythird Street
Architect: -
Location: New York, New York
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
102101
SUSurfaceSurface Hole
su
rface
surfa
ce
Entrance Indication
Surface Hole
Subsurface Level
Head House
Subsurface Level
Name: Boston T Stations
Copley Square, Boylston Street
Park Street, Boston Common
Park Street, Tremont Street
Architect: -
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
104103
SUSurfaceHead Houses
su
rface
surfa
ce
The Head House is as typical as the
Surface Hole. This however attemtps to cre-
ate more of a presence and integration with
the urban plane.
The Head Hose can be either closed
and conditioned or open and undcondi-
tioned. Examples of both are to the right.
This allows for a higher degree of security
and a more comfortable underground
connection.
Similar to the Surface Hole these are
typically, as you can see, not associated with
the street pattern, either on the edge of the
sidewalk or in park areas.
The benefit of the Head House style
connections that there is more oppurtunity
for identity and branding of what exists
below. What makes this different from an
uncondition hole is that a Head House has
the ability to establish a facade on the exist-
ing urban surface. This creates a better
sense of connection of the Subsurface and
Surface.
Head House
Subsurface Level
Name: Boston T Stations
Copley Square, Boylston Street
Park Street, Boston Common
Park Street, Tremont Street
Architect: -
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
104103
SUSurfaceHead Houses
su
rface
surfa
ce
Altered Surface
Exposed Facade
Subsurface Level
-
SUSurfaceSurface Peel
Name: Dewey Square
Architect: Machado Silvetti
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Name: Subway Entrance
Architect:Norman Foster
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
106105su
rface
surfa
ce
This integration is a hybrid of the
Surface Hole and Head House. This simulta-
neously creates a facade on the surface but
also minimizes the impact of the intervention
on the surface plane.
The scale and directionality of this inter-
vention creates different effects on the city.
At the scale of a public park an etire edge
from one perspective could exist as a
facade, but from the opposite perspective it
stil retains the image of part of the existing
surface datum. it is the directionality that is
important when integrating this into the
urban fabric, which direction wants figure
and which direction wants ground?
The examples shown are what predomi-
nantly exist now which only interact on the
perceptional level of the peel. They seem as
though they creep out of the Subsurface as
some still separate from the Surface.
Altered Surface
Exposed Facade
Subsurface Level
-
SUSurfaceSurface Peel
Name: Dewey Square
Architect: Machado Silvetti
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Name: Subway Entrance
Architect:Norman Foster
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
106105su
rface
surfa
ce
Surface Facade
Subsurface Facade
Subsurface Level
SUSurfaceDouble Loaded
Name: Newbury Street Shops
Life is Good
Kashmir
Shu Uemura
Architect: -
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
108107su
rface
surfa
ce
This method establishes a void space to
try and connect the Surface and Subsurface.
The Subsurface exposes itself to the surface
which allows for the circulation measures to
connect it. This creates another surface level
of street facade, in its traditional sense, with
an unlimited back of house. The presence
within these spaces, since they are slightly
removed from the Surface, is more privatized
and smaller scale but still part of the
Surface.
The direct relationship between the
Surface and Subsurface creates a continuity
between the two. It makes unclear where the
surface datum is so as to make the
Subsurface easier to occupy and access.
The depth of these spaces needs to
associate itself with the scale of a human
using one flight of stairs or a length of ramp.
Any deeper it loses its association with the
surface. Typically it is seen in older dense
cities that used it as a strategy for gaining
street frontage for retail districts.
Surface Facade
Subsurface Facade
Subsurface Level
SUSurfaceDouble Loaded
Name: Newbury Street Shops
Life is Good
Kashmir
Shu Uemura
Architect: -
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
108107su
rface
surfa
ce
Supersurface
Void Space
Horizontal Facades
Subsurface Level
Name: Filenes, Formerly
Architect: Daniel H. Burnham & Co
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
SUSurfaceSurface Void
110109su
rface
surfa
ce
A void space in this instance is used
again to intervene with the Surface. The void
is created to exploit the defined surface
datum.
The Surface datum here is given depth,
the depth is the distance between the
Subsurface and the resulted Supersurface
condition. This establishes two different
spaces connected through the surface zone.
On the micro scale the idea of the facade is
inverted and two distinct facades are cre-
ated. The cieling above the surface acts as a
facade to the Supersurface whereas the
Surface itself is the facade for the
Subsurface.
This scenario denies the Surface of its
traditional condition as a base for the urban
realm. It serves only as part of a vertical
urban condition that requires a Subsurface
and Supersurface interaction. The impact of
this on the fabric of an existing city would be
that of pblic open space. High desnity with
almost no percentage of built land.
The void space’s shape is directly
effected by the shape of the Supersurface,
the Subsurface still has freedom to shape
itself in the poche of the earth.
Supersurface
Void Space
Horizontal Facades
Subsurface Level
Name: Filenes, Formerly
Architect: Daniel H. Burnham & Co
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
SUSurfaceSurface Void
110109su
rface
surfa
ce
Street Facade
Void Space
Subsurface Facade
Subsurface Level
Name: Stonybrook T Station
Architect: -
Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
112111
SUSurfaceInterlocking
su
rface
surfa
ce
This intervention exploits a void space
again, which, in conjunction with a defined
architectural object, create a connection
between the Subsurface and Surface
spaces. The object can exist in many differ-
ent forms, a building, circulation piece, or
simply a sculptural gesture. The scale of the
void needs to be large enough to occupy and
require a perceptual connection with the sur-
face plane.
The object with the void has a clearly
defined base within the Subsurface space,
however, since the surface datum is so
strongly defined by the context, there also
exists a pseudo base at the surface level.
This pseudo base is where the connections
over the void occur. The multiple readins of
base also give rise to multiple readings of
facade as well. Facades in this instance can
exist solely for the Subsurface space, solely
for the Surface, or both simultaneously.
Depending on how you use the facade the
connection of the Surface to the Subsurface
can be either a complex interacting whole, or
two separate entities defined by the surface
datum.
Street Facade
Void Space
Subsurface Facade
Subsurface Level
Name: Stonybrook T Station
Architect: -
Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
112111
SUSurfaceInterlocking
su
rface
surfa
ce
Supersurface Level
Surface Level
Subsurface Level
SUDistortion
Name: La Place des Arts
Architect: David, Barott and Boulv
Location: Montreal, Canada
Status: Completed
Name: Boston City Hall
Architect: Kallmann Mckinnell and White
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
114113su
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surfa
ce
SUSurface
The scenario here deconstructs the per-
ception of where the Surface actually exists.
It incorporates several different planes that
act as surface datums. These surfaces can
exists above or below the existing contextual
datum which, when grouped together, unde-
fines where the original surface exists. The
subtlety of the undulation of the planes is key
here, if it is too rough the ground plane
becomes more perceptable, too soft and the
internal occupiable space diminishes due to
daylight restrictions. Each undulated surface
is a source of natural daylight inside.
The issue regarding facade dimishes
with the defined surface datum. The number
of individual facacdes is a direct result of the
number of newly established surfaces. The
treatment of these whether it is ambigous or
articulate doesnt have much impact to thier
realted to the whole. The number of parts
has to be large enough to create an ambig-
ous texture to deconstruct the perception of
the ground plane.
This strategy helps reduce the amount
of unoccupiable surface created by most tra-
ditional buildings. It also helps mitigate the
issue of going underground by distorting the
perception of what is ground and what is not.
Supersurface Level
Surface Level
Subsurface Level
SUDistortion
Name: La Place des Arts
Architect: David, Barott and Boulv
Location: Montreal, Canada
Status: Completed
Name: Boston City Hall
Architect: Kallmann Mckinnell and White
Location: Boston, MA
Status: Completed
Selected Precedent
114113su
rface
surfa
ce
SUSurface
SUBSURFACE URBANISM
ARCH G691 GRADUATE DEGREE
PROJECT STUDIO
FALL 2009
This publication has been prepared as
part of a five week graduate thesis studio
assignment in the Northeastern University
School of Architecture for the Fall 2009
Architecture G691 course. Other publications
in this series include urban retail, office, and
parking garage typologies, all produced
by graduate students in the Northeastern
University architecture program.