Human-centered development of underground work spaces

Abstract

Underground space is being diversified for more and more functions, including industrial, commercial, transport, educational, and recreational uses. Mixed-use complexes and multi-functional hubs are also being developed underground. As more uses are found for underground space, we should ensure that underground working does not affect human psychology and health. Previous research has examined psychological, health and social aspects associated with underground spaces but mainly employing relatively mono-disciplinary approaches and methodologies, many times in a non-systematic way. Additionally, research up to now has not employed the modern research tools that cognitive neuroscience, experimental social psychology and epidemiology offer. Our research project examines human health, behavior and attitude aspects related to the underground working environment in a multi-disciplinary and holistic way. The overall aim is to examine and address possible psychological and health-related impacts and to enhance social acceptance of underground workspaces. This project begins a unified, systematic and holistic examination of the interaction of human psychology and health with underground spaces to improve public acceptance of underground work. In this study, we present the key elements of a systematic research program examining the relationship between environmental and architectural characteristics of underground spaces with human behavior, cognition and well-being. Initial findings of the research plan show a multi-faceted set of aspects that can affect underground work, from psychological effects on work performance and creativity, social effects on cooperative and risk taking behaviors, health effects, and engineering parameters such as the aesthetic appearance of the space. Problems can arise from the design of underground workspaces, such as disruption from regular exposure to the outdoor environment. Social beliefs, attitudes and cultural meanings can affect the willingness to work underground. The confined environment that is created can amplify issues that are common to all workplaces, including environmental, emotional and motivational factors.