It’s technically possible to build underground living spaces for people. But are we willing to spend long periods of time in subterranean dwellings? The success of building proposals like Mexico City’s Earthscraper might depend on helping people overcome fears associated with the underground.
“The human mind is naturally predisposed to fear underground spaces, which it associates with dark, small, cavernous environments and a danger of being buried alive,” says Suarez.
But by connecting all areas of the Earthscraper to a large, central, open space that receives light from above, Suarez hopes to change people’s perception of the underground – he likens it to an open canyon.