The spread of urbanisation increases the pressure for space on the surface, and useful space is used uneconomically or for high-emission activities. The underground must be used more and with greater focus. Underground industrial solutions with automatic goods and passenger transport systems, high-security data centres, low-emission treatment plants, vibration-free precision production facilities, greenhouses with a stable climate, etc.
The target use of the underground space requires, however, that the relevant technical and economic parameters are evaluated and coordinated carefully.
Amberg has always been a pioneer in exploring alternative and innovative use of underground space. Dive into some of our inspiring projects:
Urban farming is already taking place in many cities and is also a topic of interest for many organizations, cities and universities. The many positive aspects like short transport distances, fresh products, improvement of the urban environment or the utilization of urban spaces are convincing and highlight an area of great potential.
Old subway stations, bunkers or subsurface chambers are already being used to produce agricultural products. With the concept study "Underground Green Farming", SCAUT investigates the use of underground space to produce food.
The prototype was built in the Hagerbach Test Gallery. The pilot plant cultivates trout and lettuce.
High-security, high-performance computer centers for big data with optimal energy efficiency are a crucial need of today's society. Together with a technology partner, Amberg is implementing an Underground Data Center in the Hagerbach Test Gallery. It will be a full-scale micro data center with six racks, cooling, power and surveillance and will act as a demonstration prototype to interested clients.
An underground semiconductor manufacturing plant has distinct advantages, such as vibration-free production in constant temperature and humidity conditions. EPC (Espros Photonics Corporation) built a cavern to produce computer chips in Sargans.
For future particle accelerator facilities, a study was conducted on international level. It comprises the concept to accelerate electrons, positrons as well as protons to very high energies in the range of terra electron volts and to bring them to collision.
The big challenge was the realization of the ideas and related boundary conditions from nuclear physics in an interrelated system of subsurface buildings, which can be built at reasonable cost.
This unique pioneer project covers a facility designed and engineered to represent most up-to date standards regarding safety, sustainability and economy, and to provide the highest comfort level to the users.
Amberg was responsible for the feasibility study for a very large cavern system providing office and laboratory space for R&D on Information Technology, Bio-Tech, Life Sciences as well as for housing of Data Centers.
SCAUT is an international leader in the use of the underground. With its state-of-the-art engineering, innovative concepts and advanced ITC, it contributes significantly to the creation of underground spaces of the future and to the relief of metropolitan areas and conurbations.
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