why do humans choose to live above ground? (metro, subway, architect)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
as in why do we choose to build UP as opposed to down? wouldn't it be more cost efficient to build subterranean structures than building sky scrapers? Heating, cooling, and shelter would all be better if development were focused on building in the ground rather than above the ground wouldn't it? i guess we have a need for light or some sort of attachment to being close to the heavens.
Because digging a skyscraper sized hole is more expensive and problematic than building a skyscraper? Consider now how the basements and subways of NYC are only kept dry by constant pumping; how would that work exactly if the whole city was underground?
Plus it's hard to show off if your house, office, public building, ect. when it's underground. Architecture is as much a display of wealth, power, reliability, worthiness and so forth as it is a shelter from the elements. Morlocks are kind of a drag too...
You're kidding, right? Most of the houses where I live don't even have basements because of the expense of rock removal. Average depth to solid bedrock here runs between about 18" and four feet.
given all the replies, logically they make sense however, what area of the US would it be more logical for underground dwelling?
places where heating and AC are larger costs, where drainage isnt an issue, and where the ground is suitable. Id guess some desert and semi-desert areas. IIUC some passive solar houses built in such areas ARE partly below ground. Thats different from building DEEP underground.
Because digging a skyscraper sized hole is more expensive and problematic than building a skyscraper? Consider now how the basements and subways of NYC are only kept dry by constant pumping; how would that work exactly if the whole city was underground?
Plus it's hard to show off if your house, office, public building, ect. when it's underground. Architecture is as much a display of wealth, power, reliability, worthiness and so forth as it is a shelter from the elements. Morlocks are kind of a drag too...
DC metro stations are way deeper than NYC and they are spick and span with dry stations and no leaking. I was just in NYC and wow do they need to refurbish those stations.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
