Sub terra – New Roots for Underground Urbanism and Architecture in Amsterdam

This exhibition explores the opportunities of underground building and living in Amsterdam and beyond. 'Sub terra' deepens knowledge of the historical use of the subsurface and future visions for underground living, biodiversity, and climate.

For centuries, humans have engaged with the subterranean world, from ancient dwellings to modern infrastructure. With increasing scarcity of space and nature, interest in the underground is growing, offering potential for freshwater, cooling, living, working, agriculture, climate buffers, and recreation. However, this extensive underground activity is poorly documented, leading to a complex network of cables, pipelines, and structures beneath cities like Amsterdam. The exhibition 'Sub terra' delves into this often-overlooked realm, highlighting the interconnectedness of above-ground and below-ground urban development. It presents the emergence of 'underground urbanism' and its impact on design, with architects and landscape architects rethinking human scale, materials, light, and the relationship with the surface world. The exhibition also touches upon the environmental implications for non-human life and the complexities of ownership and usage of the subsurface, inviting visitors to explore this hidden world and the need for a new awareness in urban planning.

Admission to the exhibition is free during regular opening hours. Reservation of a time slot is not necessary. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.