Research Information System
ISOCARP & ITACUS, The Hague, 2025
This report presents the outcomes of the 2024 Young Professional Think Deep Programme (YPTDP) workshop held in Hong Kong, organized by ISOCARP and ITACUS. The workshop aimed to explore sustainable and strategic uses of underground space—specifically, rock caverns—in response to Hong Kong's urban land scarcity and development pressures.
Young professionals from diverse disciplines, including urban planning, architecture, and geotechnical engineering, collaborated to develop visionary proposals for cavern development in Island West, focusing on areas SCVA 40 and 41. These proposals integrated commercial, industrial, and community functions while aligning with long-term urban resilience and climate adaptation goals.
Key themes include:
Urban densification and underground expansion
Mixed-use subterranean hubs for energy, logistics, transport, and recreation
Sustainable construction methods and circular economy practices
Integration with existing urban infrastructure and long-term development plans (e.g. Hong Kong 2030+ and Hydrogen Economy Vision 2060)
Multidisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration
Each team developed a comprehensive strategy that addressed technical feasibility, environmental performance, social inclusion, and long-term flexibility. The report highlights not only innovative design but also the potential of underground urbanism as a sustainable development tool for dense metropolitan regions.