3D ground-use optimisation for sustainable urban development planning: a case-study from Earls Court, London, UK

Abstract

Cities provide opportunities for economic growth, cultural and social development and scientific and technological innovation. Yet they have often developed without coordination and integration of the mutual benefits that could be provided by using urban underground space (UUS), often to the detriment or exclusion of other potential city functions (Parriaux et al., 2004). Given that 60% of the area expected to be urbanised by 2030 has yet to be built (World Economic Forum, 2016) there is significant opportunity to influence future city planning and design using subsurface engineering geological ground models as a component part of a UUS management system. For future city development to be sustainable and resilient to change, an integrated approach that crosses disciplines and facilitates desirable urban futures while minimising the likelihood of undesirable ones is required (Lombardi et al., 2012; Price et al., 2016).