Subterranean Realms: Should Architecture Retreat Beneath the Earth?
Engaging with nature is a cornerstone of thoughtful architectural design, and it’s an ethos I bring into every project. When I came across the concept of Neom Aquellum, it sparked a flurry of questions—how well does it truly align with human instincts, practical considerations, and architectural values?
Let’s explore the bold choice of placing this design underground, unpacking its implications from multiple angles:
- Lost Connection to the Surface: Building underground inherently alters our relationship with the outdoors. Could the natural valley above have been leveraged to create harmony with the environment rather than isolating itself from it? Architecture thrives when it collaborates with, rather than submerges, its surroundings.
- Our Instinct for Open Spaces: Humans are drawn to open horizons and expansive views. By going underground, the design risks severing that innate connection to nature, which plays a vital role in our sensory and emotional well-being.
- The High Stakes of Excavation: Carving into steep slopes isn’t just technically challenging—it’s an invitation for nature’s unpredictability to play a significant role. Stability and erosion become critical concerns, demanding meticulous planning to avoid unintended consequences.
- Where’s the Light? Natural light is more than just a design element; it’s a necessity for mental health and emotional balance. Imagine a space devoid of sunlight—it risks becoming oppressive, a far cry from the inspiring environments we strive to create.
- Balancing Cost with Experience: Excavation on this scale is an investment, and it’s worth asking—does the end result justify the expense? With confined views and potentially uninspiring interiors, will the payoff resonate with visitors enough to sustain the project financially?
- Safety First: Safety is non-negotiable. Structural stability, emergency access, and disaster preparedness become magnified challenges when working below the surface. The design must prioritize these elements to avoid compromising the well-being of its occupants.
- The Aesthetics of Harmony: There’s a starkness to this approach that edges on the brutalist. While striking in its own right, it raises the question—could a softer, more integrated design better celebrate the natural beauty of its surroundings?
Shaping Spaces That Resonate
The vision behind Neom Aquellum is ambitious, but ambition alone doesn’t make a space meaningful. Architecture achieves greatness when it collaborates with its environment, enhancing what is already there rather than overshadowing it. By choosing to work with, rather than against, nature, designs can inspire on a visceral level, connecting people to the spirit of the place.
For me, this project serves as a reminder: great architecture is about balance. It’s about elevating the natural, addressing human needs, and creating experiences that feel both uplifting and enduring.

Post Date Jan. 19, 2024