Subterranean Air Design for Underground Parking in Sustainable Cities

Abstract

This study investigates the interdisciplinary relationship between subterranean environmental engineering and surface-level urban architecture, focusing on large-scale underground parking complexes in Baku, Azerbaijan. Utilizing the original "Spatial form—Integration—Climate resilience—Emergency resilience" analytical matrix proposed herein, a comparative analysis is conducted between the linear-extended facility beneath Winter Park and the compact, two-level coastal structure under Azadliq Square. The research evaluates how spatial morphology, structural geometry, and marine-coastal macroclimates dictate mechanical engineering solutions. Specifically, it assesses the fluid dynamics of longitudinal jet fan arrays versus hybrid ducted frameworks, the aesthetic and ecological integration of above-ground ventilation nodes as small architectural forms, and the deployment of ISO 12944 C5-M (Marine) corrosion protection to counter aggressive Caspian Sea salinity. The empirical findings demonstrate that integrating scenario-based Building Management Systems yields a 40–55% contraction in operational energy loads. Furthermore, the study exposes a critical structural asymmetry in toxic gas evacuation dynamics—specifically hydrogen fluoride (HF) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions—during electric vehicle lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, revealing systemic gaps in current NFPA 502 and ASHRAE standards. Ultimately, this work establishes a validated methodological baseline for "Subterranean Air Design," proving that surface landscape typologies and climatic variables are primary determinants for the safety, operational resilience, and environmental sustainability of underground urban infrastructure.