Pros and cons of smart valorisation and reuse of abandoned underground cavities
Abstract
This Keynote lecture deals with the sustainable development of abandoned cavities and underground structures. We discuss the pros and cons of such actions. In fact, France has had a significant historical underground activity. These cavities must be intelligently managed and valued. Cavities should not only be considered as a source of nuisance or risk but may also be an element of sustainable development. The challenges of the society including climate change, energy and ecological issues, calls for a change in the organization and physiology of the city in order to move towards a more sustainable city model. The underground space can contribute to make the city sustainable. The keynote presents some strategic orientations of valorisation of abandoned underground excavations: visits, storage, etc. We present the conditions and the urbanistic modalities of smart re-use of the underground “Brasserie” limestone exploitation(Paris – France) and discuss how these valorisations may contribute to the maintenance of voids and risk prevention.