SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERGROUND URBAN SPACES: LESSONS FOR ADDIS ABABA FROM GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES

Abstract

The need to find sustainable solutions to the congestion of cities, the lack of land, and the environmental issues is gaining momentum as cities are becoming larger and larger around the world. The Underground Urban Development is an option that has proven viable, enabling the cities to utilize the space more efficiently, enhance mobility and resilience, and reserves the upper land to housing, green spaces and cultural activities. This article discusses the concept of sustainable underground urbanization in Addis Ababa through the lens of global best practices (cities such as Tokyo, Helsinki, Montreal, Singapore and Beijing), and understanding of relevance to the practice to Addis Ababa. The case studies illustrate how underground infrastructure can play a role in efficient land use, energy savings, climate change adaptation and improvement of the quality of life.

With rapidly growing population, increasing congestion and pressures on the environment, underground development can help offer a paradigm shift in the urban strategy of Addis Ababa. Although there is one obstacle, including the increased cost of construction, technical risks and the implementation of different cultures and life styles is a challenge, the opportunities of creating new jobs, advancing economic growth, and introducing smart cities, underground spaces are part of the future planning. With a well-understood governance structure in place, a master plan, pilot projects, Addis Ababa can enjoy a robust organizational future in regards to sustainable, inclusive and resilient urbanization. This paper finds that underground urbanization applied under the guidance of the best practices in the world and depending on the local conditions can make Addis Ababa become a pioneer in the new and sustainable urban development in the African continent.