Underground Architecture

Mediterranean silo features Underground architecture Ground penetrating radar 3D laser scanner model a b s t r a c t Underground space has widely been used through history, provided either by natural or by dug cavities that were used as storage for farming production. In particular, cereals have constantly been present in the Mediterranean cultures. Their preservation was crucial in the Mediterranean grain trade for local and urban growth. The main goal of this multidisciplinary study is to analyse the typological and architectural characteristics of underground Mediterranean granary structures. It also discusses the excavation process for building a silo, focusing in a study of the Valencian silos at the Spanish Mediterranean shore. The Valencian silo-yard was essential for the socioeconomic city development in the 16th century. This is the first research performed on this subterranean ensemble, by searching through historical documents and using a non-destructive technique (NDT) as Ground Penetrating Radar (SIR-3000, GSSI) with 100 MHz and 400 MHz antennae. The composition soil was obtained for hydrogeological characteristics by geotechnical tests. Besides, laser scanner and GPS surveys were carried out for mapping the silo-yard in detail. Since the Valencian silos are a relevant example of subterranean engineering storage, we were able to carry out a comparative study of significant Mediterranean silos (from Algeria, Italy, Jordan, Malta and Turkey) by reviewing documentation. As a result, these underground spaces share numerous features, as type of terrain, excavation process, geographic location, morphology, dimensions, sealing system, usage, etc. These similar features illustrate that a subterranean grain storage stereotype is present in the Mediterranean region heritage.

Durant plus de deux mille ans, les habitants ont creusé le sous-sol friable de la capitale limousine pour y aménager aqueducs, caves et besses-caves, cryptes, tunnels et rues souterraines. Ce maillage représente aujourd'hui un patrimoine fragile et singulier, précieux témoignage de l'histoire urbaine.

La dureza del clima y las diferencias de salto termico entre invierno y verano promueven la eleccion de viviendas con importante inercia termica; entre ellas seleccionamos la arquitectura subterranea que, repartida por la geografia espanola, responde a las necesidades extremas del lugar en el que se ubican. La casa-cueva, habitada generalmente por los estratos mas humildes de la sociedad, es la respuesta de los primitivos habitantes a las necesidades de abrigo y proteccion, asegurando el confort. La tradicion y su buen funcionamiento han mantenido este tipo de construcciones, extendiendolas por toda Espana, de manera que encontramos barrios y pueblos completamente subterraneos. Algunas de estas construcciones siguen habitadas hoy en dia, pero con una seria amenaza de abandono y ruina. La comunicacion versa en el estudio de los mecanismos de aprovechamiento energetico de la arquitectura subterranea en todas sus facetas, para posteriormente realizar un analisis y recorrido en sus dist...

Recensione al volume Archeologia del rifugio antiaereo: utilizzo di opere ipogee antiche e moderne per la protezione dei civili, a cura di R. Basilico, M.A. Breda, G. Padovan, Oxford, 2011, “Histara”.
http://histara.sorbonne.fr/cr.php?cr=1424