LITERATURE REVIEW

surface of the ground is perforated by various elements like patios, atriums, and domes. An atrium can transport daylight to great depths, providing not only natural light but also some external views. In any event, a view of the sky provides contact with the seasons, the weather, and the time of day.

2.4.3 Earth Covered Spaces:

An earth-covered building is not entirely underground, but at grade, has a surface laid over it. This building type is free of the technical disadvantages of an underground building while enjoying its advantage of spatiality. Daylight can penetrate and views are usually unimpaired. The elevated ground level can be laid out as a park, landscape, or urban environment as well. In most cases, earth-covered buildings can be constructed traditionally with a unique touch of their own.

2.5. Daylighting in underground buildings:

Underground Cities could very well become a norm in the future with already many structures being built underground. Even though the scarcity of surface area in cities will become the driver for such spaces it does not necessarily mean that the need for these surface spaces would decrease in the future. On the other hand, like the underground city will grow it will start exerting more pressure above ground as well. All underground cities will require having services above ground for light, ventilation, and other resources. The main constraint for living underground is light. But with innovations in fiber optics and innovative techniques such as ‘remote skylight technology,’ it is possible to live underground. Underground development can be a significant strategy for evolving urban areas to meet the challenges of the future. Underground Spaces are better placed to meet natural disasters, especially earthquakes and seismic activity. By placing infrastructure facilities underground culturally rich heritage urban areas can be preserved. The use of urban underground spaces also reduces the environmental impact on the cities. These benefits can be incorporated in the newly planned cities with even more cost-effectiveness than in existing cities. Urban planners and designers must recognize the potential of the underground and use it effectively during city planning. (DAYLIGHTING IN UNDERGROUND BUILDINGS.Pdf, 2000)

2.6. The Relationship between Form and Function

The relationship between form and function has always been at issue in the development of a theory or an aesthetic of modern architecture. In no other mode of architectural design is this relationship at least regarding the typology of form more critical to the satisfactory performance of a building than in subsurface applications. Underground designs, for instance, may call into question the utility and psychological value of features as ordinary as windows, sunlight, on-grade access, and the visual identity of the building as an object. These elements need not be sacrificed in terratectural alternatives, but the implications are clear: a fully subsurface chamber cannot have exterior windows, nor will it have a highly visible form. In building functions where natural light and views are highly regarded (such as residences or offices), or where visibility and curb appeal are essential economic considerations (shops, restaurants, etc.), such a form is illsuited to the building program. On the other hand, many building functions already are admirably adapted to subsurface environments and realize little benefit from being on the surface were the