Designing liveable underground spaces: The role of experiences and attitudes in shaping environmental perceptions

This study investigated the interplay between prior experiences, attitudes and the willingness to reside (WR) in underground spaces, providing insights for improving public acceptance of such environments. This study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling to evaluate the relationships amongst the variables using data from 215 South Korean participants. The findings revealed that prior playing experiences significantly could enhance safety and calmness attitudes and strongly predicting people's WR in underground spaces. Conversely, prior living and working experiences exert minimal influence. While negative effects and confinement attitudes are less impactful, fostering positive emotional experiences is crucial for promoting acceptance. This study has highlighted the importance of designing underground spaces that prioritise leisure activities that cultivate positive perceptions. Additionally, although this research primarily focused on psychological and experiential factors, future investigations are encouraged to explore environmental variables, such as lighting and ventilation, which are critical in shaping public attitudes. These findings offer practical guidance for urban planners and policymakers aiming to develop sustainable and liveable underground environments to address urban density challenges.