ABSTRACT

The average underground apartment measures just less than 10 sqm sometimes shared between several people, the apartments act as bedsits with communal toilet facilities. Existing underground spaces could include rock caverns, disused metro stations, or underutilised commercial office basements. For cities to make more efficient use of valuable resources such as land, it is necessary to consider how existing underground spaces could be adapted and their use intensified. Convincing people to eat in a former public toilet located underground was a considerable challenge and therefore a passionate attention to detail was key to making the space a success. In addition to the refurbishment demonstrating authenticity, to entice people to such an unusual space the food and beverages also needed to be exceptional. For the South Molton Lane grout shaft, the intention was to create a functional space that could support the large number of tourists and workers moving through Bond Street station.