condenCITY_109 density1 UNDERGROUND





Density
For some time now I have been meaning to return to what this blog had initially set out to do a few years ago- and to a certain extent it has- perhaps more explicitly now however, in considering density as beneficial to cities. In particular, the ones I have been fortunate to have lived in for extended periods of time. There is much discussion today about the benefits and drawbacks of urban density. 

I tend to think of density as  beneficial in ways of opportunity,  resource sharing, as well as social fulfillment. Although the later is perhaps most open to criticism.  I'll get to that more later as I continue to post on this topic. I will suggest now though that the observations to follow will reflect upon the hyper-density that is part of my daily life and perhaps model examples for the positives of urban density.


Underground is relevant 

Dense cities are often that by restricted necessity and determined by the very nature of available land areas. Space is a premium at any level and below ground becomes just as viable as at or above the surface of city streets. Cities under cities as they subsist in Seoul, extend and wind through artificially lit corridors for kilometers at a stretch. Guided by signage, our only sense of direction comes from the words and arrows, visual cues that guide our steps and train transits to our places of destination. 

Underground is a place of needed efficient passage, a provisional space for moving millions of urban dwellers annually. Underground has relieved the cities street surfaces of severe congestion that would otherwise paralyze a ground -surface only- transit. Underground is an economical component of a thriving and diverse economy. 

Daylight remains for the dreamers above. Down here, we are opportunistic shoppers and commuters on route to someplace else. Yet, these tunnels are a life's link.  



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