Underground development in urban areas: the birth, the evolution and the perspectives of the trend

摘要

In recent decades the world has experienced an unprecedented population growth. However, what is more interesting is the pattern of the growth. Urbanization is the term that characterizes this phenomenon and is responsible for the creation of large urban centers. Nevertheless, these "megacities" face multiple problems related to the environmental conditions, traffic and the quality of life that challenge their future sustainability. In this context underground development offers a feasible, long-term solution according to the principles of sustainable development. The present paper analyzes the stages of the trend as it evolved from the early days until recent findings.