CHAPTER VII

Methodology

Research type: Qualitative Research design: Exploratory Data Collection [Primary Data]: Interviews and Questionnaire Data Collection [Secondary Data]: Books, Journals, Research papers, Case study visits and observation.

Methodology of the research was based on data collection from relevant research papers, books, articles and interviews conducted with architects, civil engineer and environmentalist, in order to design overall research literature. Research was conducted through qualitatively analyzing framework and design approaches for underground urban land. Research was conducted through reviewing literature already present and gathered photographic statistics through visiting local underground structures. This research was presented by a hypothetical design approach on an urban land as a design solution for intense urbanism. Through technical examination of planning and design details and social aspects helps the research to construct a design framework of the urban structure. Before determining optimum model for establishing the typology of urbanistic zones for use of underground space, which would be easily readable and clear for urban development planning, it is necessary to review which are prerequisite preconditions for planning or designing underground facilities. These prerequisites through the analysis of legal regulations, as well as expert literature on urban planning parameters which are already required for Master plans for surface construction. Then urban parameters for surface construction are compared with experiences of underground designing, taking into consideration all specifics of designing facilities beneath the ground level. Turn out that certain urban development parameters for surface construction are also applicable for underground construction, but that certain are either not or are in the need of modification. Only when they are identified, modified and accepted, they become urban planning parameters for underground construction. Complex review of urban parameters of construction below the ground level, in the context of geological, technological, property-legal aspect and the aspect of heritage and environmental protection, enables us to define those individual tasks without preceding solving of which urban planning use of underground spaces, could not always be quality, functional and usable. Application of daylight and ventilation to the facts obtained through research shall result in forming of the model for determining

Methodology

of urbanistic use of underground spaces, while each zone, through further methodological procedure when it is once defined, becomes permanently theoretically and practically established. Data collected through primary and secondary sources were than documented in the research for better understand subterranean structure and it constrains.

7.1. Observation aspects:

The Law on Planning and Construction defines development of the plan and rules for construction as two basics functions which relate to the urban development plan. When it comes to development of the plan, the concept is determined by morphological, urbanistic, historical-environmental, design and other characteristics. There are also urban planning conditions for development and construction of public surfaces and facilities and infrastructure. availability of utility connections; ways of environmental protection, etc. On the other hand, rules of construction also relate to defining of the type and purpose of classes, conditions for parceling of land, forming of construction lots, construction index, height, parking, conditions and ways of access to the lot, etc. Geology is, according to the logic, a key science for designing and construction of underground facilities. Namely, soil exploration through test boreholes shall provide a comprehensive picture of the soil composition, groundwater levels, landslides, water springs, the manner of origin, physical and chemical activities of the soil itself.

Through discovered geological picture we would be able to learn what limitations and obstacles exist for designing of underground facilities. Observing of urban parameters for underground construction from geological and geotechnical aspect brings a great number of fixed conditions for defining zones for underground spaces. But it is necessary to register and subsequently, through new boreholes, perform new analyses of geological changes which are obtained in a forceful manner (explosions, excavations, etc...) or as a consequence of natural disasters (i.e., floods, earthquakes, volcanic activities). As opposed to geological and geotechnical aspects which determine unchangeable conditions, the technological aspect brings variable conditions, which is why each drafting of Master plans must take into consideration the latest technological achievements in construction of underground facilities. The technological advancement, namely, rapidly expands the scope of latest possibilities of approach to underground construction. Construction below ground level cannot be considered bypassing the aspect of urban heritage and the environment. The case doesn't involve only archaeological sites, old

Methodology

urban cores or naturally created underground spaces, but also new, modern facilities. Preservation of urban heritage is a precondition for each underground construction, not only because of legal regulations, but also because preservation of safety of surface and underground facilities. Environmental protection requires data precision in registering underground water flows, water springs and surfaces intended for greenery and agriculture, as their mutual misbalance is considered a pollution.

7.2. Defining of urban planning parameters for underground construction: A conclusion that geological structure and geotechnics represent the most important factors in construction of underground spaces induces as one of the main tasks – systematization and re-interpretation of geological knowledge fund for the purpose of methodologically correct planning. In order to obtain urban planning parameters for underground construction, we need to evaluate the applicability of criteria according to which the standard surface construction is conducted. As certain parameters are applicable on detail plan levels, we turn to the next three which are important for determining of zones at the level of Master plan. Purpose of the city construction land is not decisive, but unavoidable parameter, as it separates urban land functions and creates a difference between the public and private use of the underground space. The height of facility as a parameter would have to be renamed into the "depth of facility". By reviewing the stated parameters and selecting those appropriate for development of the model for determining zones for the underground Master plan, easily separate from classification which descriptions are key for basis of the model for determining typology for urbanistic underground zones.