 Fig. 114: Arches can be utilised for a number of functions. The unusual shape provides an interesting feature but must often requires a bespoke interior and facade to work. |  Fig. 115 |  Fig. 116: The archways of bridges can be utilised in many ways. The infamous 'The Hole in the Wall' cafe opposite Waterloo station occupies one archway and the interior very much lives up to its name. |
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 Fig. 117 |  Fig. 118: Many tunnels have been blocked and are not in use. |  Fig. 119: Leake Street, also known as the "Banksy Tunnel" or "Graffiti Tunnel", is a road in Lambeth, London. It is about 300 metres long, runs off York Road and under the platforms and tracks of Waterloo station. The walls are decorated with graffiti - initially created during the "Cans Festival" organised by Banksy on 3rd-5 May 2008. A second edition of the Cans Festival on the August Bank Holiday week-end 2008. |
 Fig. 120: The Old Vic Tunnels have now been converted in the House of Vans, a indoor skatepark, music venue, bar and cinema. |  Fig. 121: Here, a restaurant has positioned itself under a railway bridge. Materials and structure has been carefully designed to mold around the bridge and fit under the archways. |  Fig. 122 |
London Site Visit
Italian architects 3S Studio have converted a former railway tunnel between two north Italian towns into an enclosed pedestrian passageway. The environmentally conscious project focuses on the restoration of the original tunnel and providing a flexible space for temporary exhibitions and walkways.
The shell within the tunnel has been made from corten steel and timber to blend and enhance the existing structure and continue the environmental process. (Dezeen, 2012)
This is a space that celebrates its original use by incorporating into the new design.
Public Promenade, Italy
This non-profit organisation really promotes innovation and recycling at its best.
By taking a space which no longer has its original use, a wealth of opportunities becomes available.
On top of the venue sits four recycled train carriages and shipping containers. These unique spaces house the creative studios consisting of artists, writers, designers, filmmakers and musicians working side-by-side. (VU, 2014)
Originally an old warehouse, this underground space has been renovated to create a flexible community space known as Village Underground. This hidden location can be used for anything from music gigs to art exhibitions and encourages local creativity. (VU, 2014)
Village Underground, Shoreditch London
Tunnels and Arches
Underground Farm, London
London's abandoned underground tunnels have a multitude of uses and the newest innovation comes from two British entrepreneurs Richard Ballard and Steven Dring who are constructing a hydroponic farm that could supply local restaurants and retailers with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Originally built as air raid shelters in the Second World War, the tunnels provide a space with the ideal light and temperature conditions for the hydroponic farming as well as other benefits such as protection from the weather and insects and privacy. (Dezeen, 2014)
This project demonstrates how two completely different subjects can be brought together with a common interest. Reinvention of space is both environmentally and economically beneficial especially in large cities.
A tunnel is an artificial underground passage, especially one built through a hill or under a building, road, or river. They have a variety of uses such as underground trains, walkways, postal networks but often they are abandoned or undiscovered.
Tunnels have a strong connection to the design of the train carriage as they both involve long, narrow, restricted expanses of space. Many designers have embraced these challenging formations to create galleries, music venues, restaurants and skate parks.
When looking for a suitable site, a relationship between the design of a train carriage and the romance of travel was key; therefore tunnels and arches were a strong option.
London as the hub railway connections within the UK was an ideal location. Here are some examples of how tunnels and arches have been incorporated into architecture:
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