designboom · Creativity & design

The Psychological Experience of Underground Living

Living in underground homes, like China's dikengyuan, presents unique psychological challenges and comforts by altering familiar domestic cues. The feeling of strangeness stems from the earth surrounding the body and the descent required for entry.

Architectural theorists like Gaston Bachelard and Rosalind Williams have explored the psychological significance of subterranean spaces, associating them with both intimacy and unease, refuge and fear, depending on cultural context.

The practical advantages of underground dwellings include stable interior temperatures due to the earth's thermal mass, a principle seen in various global examples like Tunisia and Spain.

Modern projects, such as the University of Hong Kong's 'Underground House of the Future,' integrate traditional excavation with contemporary techniques like 3D-printed elements and improved daylighting.

A crucial element in underground architecture is the inclusion of openings, like courtyards or skylights, which provide daylight, ventilation, and a vital connection to the outside world, aiding orientation and reducing discomfort.

Architects like Javier Senosiain draw inspiration from natural shelters, creating homes that offer a sense of refuge. Research suggests that perceived control and positive expectations significantly influence satisfaction with underground living.

Integrating natural geological features into interior design, as seen in projects in Spain and Iran, allows architecture to work with the earth rather than fully imposing on it.

Ultimately, the feeling of being 'at home' in an underground space may depend on maintaining a strong visual connection to the outside, such as a horizon or a visible sky, which can mitigate the sense of enclosure.

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