Murr Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 The Earthscraper, a 65-story-tall skyscraper buried under Mexico CityThis here's concept art for BNKR Arquitectura's Earthscraper, an inverted skyscraper shoved deep under the surface of Mexico City. Click on the above image to see a massive cross-section. Explains the firm of this 300-meter-deep structure: The Historic Center of Mexico City is in a desperate need of a programmatic make-over. New infrastructure, office, retail and living space is required but no empty plots are available. Federal and local laws prohibit demolishing historic buildings and height regulations limit new structures to eight stories. The Earthscraper is the Skyscrapers antagonist in a historic urban landscape where the latter is condemned and the preservation of the built environment is the paramount ambition. It preserves the iconic presence of the city square and the existing hierarchy of the buildings that surround it. It is an inverted pyramid with a central void to allow all habitable spaces to enjoy natural lighting and ventilation. To conserve the numerous activities that take place on the city square year round (concerts, political manifestations, open-air exhibitions, cultural gatherings, military parades.), the massive hole is covered with a glass floor that allows the life of the Earthscraper to blend with everything happening on top. I'm not sure how useful the Earthscraper would be in Mexico City (what with earthquakes and the sinking), but it's definitely a fascinating idea on par with building an arcology in a Siberian diamond mine. Anyone want to commute 220 meters underground to their office? http://dvice.com/archives/2011/09/earthscraper-co.php#8 Random, all I can think of though is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Peeps Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 I wouldn't like the idea of being on the bottom floor, surely it's certain death if there's a serious fire or something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyboy-the-Dane Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 At least they made the hole pyramid-shaped, otherwise I'd get claustrophobic. I've never had any issues with height, but being underground makes me a bit uncomfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoogleViper Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 I think it's a brilliant idea. Can't imagining it working here though. Fine in Mexico where they are close to the equator and the sun is a lot higher. Not so much at our latitude. I wonder what the cost of building/maintaining this is compared to the likes of a skyscraper. I wouldn't like the idea of being on the bottom floor, surely it's certain death if there's a serious fire or something? But you could say the same thing about being on the top floor of a sky scraper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paj! Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 The idea of being underground is less fun. Chair and I spoke about this the other day...the stuffiness and heat and urghness is a horrible thought. Obviously they would try to make it habitable with aircon systems and stuff but I'm in no mood. It is however, a good idea. Sort of. What if there's an earthquake? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog-amoto Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 But you could say the same thing about being on the top floor of a sky scraper. Helicopter rescue? Obviously not in the case of 9/11 though as the fire was too intense, but that's why a load more people died, because they went up expecting a rescue and not down while they had the chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayseven Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Simply because it is another sci-fi idea being brought to life, I give this my thumbs up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Peeps Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 As long as this guy is the building inspector: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wesley Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 As long as it's not too deep and is the right curve I think it'd be pretty amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emasher Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Impossible, they'll hit the bedrock way before they reach 300 meters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coolness Bears Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 In an earthscraper no one can hear you scream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goafer Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 I wouldn't like the idea of being on the bottom floor, surely it's certain death if there's a serious fire or something? Certain death? Or the greatest Rocky stair scene re-enactment ever? I love the concept of an earth scraper. Not sure I'd want to live in one, but I think it's a cool building. Wonder how energy efficient it will be. Heating will probably be less (Due to geothermal heating), but ventilation might balance that out. I'd be interested in seeing the data. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wesley Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 What if someone does a really nasty fart? How old are you Wesley? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadDog Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Why? Surely it'd be more expensive. I'm pretty sure they'd be less space, as it's a pyramid shape. Doesn't add up. Looks cool though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wesley Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Why? Looks cool though. There's the reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EEVILMURRAY Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Plus it can give the Netherlands more earth to build their fake mountain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoogleViper Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Why? Because: New infrastructure, office, retail and living space is required but no empty plots are available. Federal and local laws prohibit demolishing historic buildings and height regulations limit new structures to eight stories. And it's a pyramid shape so that more light can get in to all levels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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