The image of the underground : a phenomenological analysis of the socio-cultural influences on underground imagery

Abstract

As major cities and urban centres across the globe respond to increasing populations, new methods for sustainable development and urbanism are required to combat urban sprawl and over-development. One of such methods is the development of underground space, which has increasingly gained attention as a viable solution. In spite of the apparent practical benefits of underground development, negative powerful mental imagery seems to inhibit acceptance of subterranean space designed for human occupancy. This study attempts to explore this mental imagery as a personal perceptual experience, which is influenced by external socio-cultural factors and one that has direct effect on behaviour. To explore the negative associations with imagery, this study adopts a phenomenological research approach, introducing the psychological aspects and expanding upon the external influences of subterranean imagery. Through the Analysis of the historical, cultural and social contexts of external influence, this study identifies thematic observations to serve as the theoretical base for the research task. These thematic observations also serve as a framework, on which observable characteristics of such negative associations with underground space may be understood. This is accomplished through the synthesis of historical archetypal influences and an account for the shifting social perception of subterranean spaces as a result of social facets and cultural influences. Building on these thematic sources, the study undertakes a practical research task to confirm and develop the theoretical observations. Finding that cultural imagery associated with underground spaces has remained largely unexplored, this study adopts the use of Implicit Association Testing and sample interviews to explore the meanings attributed to underground archetypal imagery. This subsequently identifies the implications of cultural influence through direct and indirect experience, highlighting the thematic observations of illumination, spatial associations and human activity as major influencers of the mental image associated with underground imagery. This study concludes by discussing how the conflicting 'modern' image of underground space is defined by its reliance on cultural sources as a result of a dissociative relationship with rarely experienced contemporary underground space. These themes present an organized, systematic research program for a more holistic and quantifiable understanding of the interaction between mental imagery, social behaviour and under-ground spaces.