UC SUBREAL

2-WEEKS. A FUTURE SUBTERRANEAN RESIDENCE, 2020

Concept

In tandem with my senior thesis, Grey Haven, I wanted to explore a speculative project on future residences. Perhaps even one in a post apocalyptic world when surface of the earth is no longer suitable for living. Among the many fantastical concepts of future living, subterranean counts as a very probably one. One that is very entertaining. How would such a home be construed? This project is set to take place in Seattle, Washington. Under Pioneer Square, where an extensive network of tunnels and spaces have been paved over an 8-foot retainer wall following the Great Fire of 1889. This is a great site to renovate/build upon.

WORLD BUILDING

  • When above ground space use has already been maximized, population continues to grow, a more sustainable solution is direly need.

  • Elon Musks’ Hyperloop Solution and Underground Highway Proposal have been acknowledged as the next Master Plan, all automobile traffic rerouted underground.

  • Seattle’s existing underground tunnels are in bad condition despite designation for historical preservation efforts. Constant flooding and diseases are a prime concern.

  • Sustainable water recycling and usages are quickly becoming a major concern.

  • Hydrologists and Hydraulic Engineers have recently partnered and devised a new filtration system for quickly and safely converting rainwater into drinkable freshwater.

  • In spirit to Musks’ master plan. A new underground tunnel has recently begun construction next to our site. 

Proposal Details

STAGE I

  • This project seeks to apply REHABILITATION strategies to the existing conditions of the tunnels and storefronts in tandem with the Secretary of Interiors for Historic Preservation

  • All materials repaired or renewed, all construction efforts towards adaptive reuse.

STAGE II

  • We propose to adaptively reusing the current establishments into a mixed use property - commercial concourse with residential units.

    • Expansion of the scope of work to include a concourse that links directly above the underground tunnel per above

    • Expansion and adaptive reuse of all original stores and storefronts into residential areas

    • Inclusion of the new filtration system to route all rainwater that used to cause massive flooding into the sewers and tunnels to supply direct immediate water to tenants.