Architectural Cases

Below the urban facade lies an unseen architectural dimension that is fundamental to the existence of modern metropolises. This intricate network, comprising subways, conduits for water and data, and various underground shelters, sustains city life while largely remaining out of sight. The terrain beneath our feet is not an empty expanse but a complex realm rich with essential infrastructures, historical narratives, and contemporary concerns. Amid growing land scarcity and intensified environmental pressures, architects and urban planners are increasingly focusing on these subterranean regions, viewing them as both a tangible and conceptual frontier. Engaging with underground design means acknowledging and interacting with the hidden mechanisms that underpin the world above.

Throughout history, underground spaces have served as a nexus where architectural design intertwines with political agendas, technological advancements, and cultural beliefs. From the ancient Roman catacombs to the extensive industrial subway systems of the modern era, descending into the earth has carried dual meanings of sanctuary and vulnerability. During the twentieth century, urban development transformed this historical practice into a sophisticated system, with metropolitan transportation, shelters, and essential utilities reshaping the urban landscape through a sectional lens. This transformation was often driven by a quest for efficiency and progress, yet these subterranean developments also absorbed the prevalent societal anxieties of an age marked by conflict, surveillance, and potential collapse. Their evolution provides insight not just into construction methods but also into collective fears.

In the contemporary context, the underground has emerged as a critical new frontier for urban development and strategies to adapt to ecological changes. As digital networks, energy systems, and climate mitigation measures increasingly move below the surface, architecture is confronted with a space that is both highly technical and profoundly metaphysical. This realm is indispensable yet often overlooked, invisible yet profoundly influential. Adopting a design approach that emphasizes vertical sections rather than horizontal plans is essential for recognizing that modern cities extend far beyond their visible skylines; they are deeply rooted in their hidden depths. The primary challenge for architectural practice is not merely to occupy these subterranean spaces, but to articulate them, to transform the unseen into understandable knowledge, and to convert this concealed environment into a dynamic new domain for innovative design.

Exploring the depths beneath our cities reveals a complex tapestry of tunnels, conduits, and hidden structures that are essential for supporting urban life. These networks, ranging from public transport systems to critical utility lines, operate largely unnoticed by daily inhabitants. Architects and urban planners are increasingly recognizing the profound significance of these subterranean environments, not only for their practical utility but also for their potential to address modern challenges like population density and climate change. The historical role of underground construction, which has oscillated between offering protection and exposing vulnerabilities, underscores its enduring political and social implications. Understanding and intelligently utilizing these hidden layers are crucial steps toward building more resilient and thoughtfully designed future cities.

In the mid-20th century, North American cities frequently pursued aggressive urban renewal strategies, often leading to the demolition of historic districts in favor of new infrastructure. Montreal, Canada, was on a similar path until the critical intervention of visionary figures, most notably Blanche Lemco van Ginkel (1923–2022). A Harvard-trained planner and architect, Blanche, along with her husband Sandy Van Ginkel, championed a nuanced approach that blended modernist planning principles with a steadfast dedication to urban heritage preservation. Their collaborative efforts successfully safeguarded Old Montreal's distinctive character, diverting it from the fate of many cities that prioritized vehicular infrastructure over their historical foundations.

Blanche Lemco van Ginkel: Architect, Planner, and Preservationist

Born in London, England, Blanche Lemco van Ginkel moved to Montreal as a teenager, embarking on a remarkable academic and professional journey. She was among the pioneering women to enroll in McGill University's School of Architecture, later earning a Master's degree in City Planning from Harvard in 1950. A significant milestone in her early career included her 1948 tenure at Le Corbusier's atelier in Paris, where her contributions to the iconic Unité d'Habitation notably included the design of its rooftop nursery. This experience undoubtedly shaped her comprehensive understanding of urban design, combining functional modernism with an appreciation for communal spaces. Her influence on the preservation of Old Montreal became a cornerstone of her illustrious career, demonstrating how foresight and advocacy can dramatically alter a city's developmental trajectory.

Blanche Lemco van Ginkel's story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact individuals can have on shaping urban environments. Her work in Montreal underscores the importance of balancing progress with preservation, encouraging future generations to consider the historical and cultural value embedded within our cityscapes. Her legacy teaches us that effective urban planning requires not only innovation but also a profound respect for the past, ensuring that cities evolve thoughtfully while retaining their unique identities for centuries to come.