Study on the demand and driving factors of urban underground space use

For sustainable development of Urban Underground Space (UUS1), determination of the desirable volume and function share of UUS is of vital importance. However, prediction of demand for UUS remains a rather challenging task. Very little quantifiable information, which is a basis for comparative study and improvement of prediction methods, is currently available pertaining to UUS. Xinjiekou, the center of Nanjing city, is called the first commercial center of China. Employing precision mapping on site and inquiring with a variety of organizations concerned, all the developed UUS in the area of Xinjiekou has been investigated in detail. On the basis of the quantitative investigation, the development modes and functional ratios are compared with other Chinese and foreign cases. By quantitative and comparative studies, the demand and driving factors of UUS have been identified. It is also found that the study area has the potential to be further developed and improved. It is hoped that this paper will enhance knowledge about the quantitative characteristics of UUS use, and be helpful for the demand prediction and planning of UUS development.