May 14th is dedicated to National Underground America Day, a celebration that highlights the appreciation for societies thriving beneath the surface. This observance encourages us to recognize that life doesn't solely exist above ground—there's a myriad of activities and existence happening beneath our feet. Explore the depths and learn more about commemorating National Underground America Day.

History and Origin of National Underground America Day

• Founder: The day was established in 1974 by Malcolm Wells, an architect and environmentalist who is widely considered the "father of modern earth-sheltered architecture." Wells was a passionate advocate for building homes and structures underground as a means to live more harmoniously with the environment.

• Malcolm Wells' Vision: Wells believed that traditional above-ground construction was harmful to the environment, taking up space and using resources inefficiently. He promoted the idea of underground living as a solution to many ecological problems, such as energy waste, land overuse, and habitat destruction. His designs and ideas focused on minimizing the ecological footprint of human dwellings by utilizing the natural insulation and protection provided by the earth.

• Purpose of the Day: National Underground America Day celebrates the creativity and environmental consciousness behind underground living. It encourages people to explore sustainable building practices and reconsider conventional approaches to architecture and land use.

What Is Underground Living?

Underground living refers to the construction of homes and buildings that are either partially or completely below the earth's surface. There are various types of underground homes, including:

1. Earth-Sheltered Homes: These are homes that are partially built into hills or covered with earth on one or more sides.
2. Earth-Bermed Homes: These structures are built above ground but are surrounded by earth on most sides for insulation and protection.
3. Cave Homes: Some homes are built directly into natural caves or dug into rock formations, using existing geological features for shelter.

Benefits of Underground Living

1. Energy Efficiency: Underground homes benefit from the earth's natural insulation. The temperature below ground remains relatively constant throughout the year, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter, which reduces the need for heating and cooling systems.

2. Environmental Harmony: Underground structures use less land space and allow for the natural landscape to thrive above them. By building homes beneath the surface, wildlife habitats, trees, and vegetation are preserved, and the natural beauty of the area remains intact.

3. Protection from the Elements: Underground homes are naturally more resilient to extreme weather conditions like tornadoes, hurricanes, and heavy storms. The earth provides a strong barrier against harsh environmental elements, making these homes safer in certain regions.

4. Noise Reduction: Being insulated by the earth, underground homes are quieter than traditional homes, as the ground muffles outside noise. This can lead to a more peaceful and tranquil living environment.

5. Security: Underground homes are less visible and more protected from external threats such as burglars or natural disasters, providing an added sense of security.

Challenges of Underground Living

1. Construction Costs: Building underground can be more expensive initially, as specialized excavation and materials may be required. Additionally, waterproofing and ventilation systems need to be carefully designed to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Limited Natural Light: Underground homes often have fewer windows and less access to natural light, which can affect the mood and energy levels of the occupants. However, creative architectural designs can include skylights, light wells, and reflective surfaces to bring more light inside.

3. Regulatory Barriers: In some areas, zoning laws and building codes may not support underground construction, which can make it challenging to get approval for such projects.

Celebrating National Underground America Day

1. Learn About Earth-Sheltered Architecture: Use the day to explore different types of underground homes and architectural techniques that promote sustainable living. You can read about Malcolm Wells’ work and his philosophy of building in harmony with nature.

2. Visit an Underground Home: If possible, tour an underground or earth-sheltered home to experience firsthand the benefits of underground living. Some eco-friendly communities offer public tours of such homes.

3. Explore Eco-Friendly Building Practices: This day is also a great opportunity to learn more about green building practices in general. Even if underground living isn’t feasible for everyone, understanding energy-efficient architecture and sustainable design can benefit homeowners and architects alike.

4. Watch Documentaries or Read Books: There are several resources available that focus on innovative architecture and sustainable living. Documentaries, books, or articles about earth-sheltered homes and energy-efficient design can be both educational and inspiring.

5. Consider Sustainable Housing Solutions: If you’re thinking about building or renovating a home, use National Underground America Day as inspiration to incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly designs into your project. This could include using natural insulation materials, renewable energy sources, or green roofing techniques.

6. Share on Social Media: Spread awareness about National Underground America Day by sharing interesting facts, photos, or resources about underground living on social media platforms using the hashtag #NationalUndergroundAmericaDay.

Fun Facts About Underground Living

• Coober Pedy, Australia: This town is famous for its underground homes, called "dugouts." Due to the extreme heat in the region, many residents live in homes built underground to escape the desert temperatures.

• The Great Pyramid of Giza: Even ancient civilizations understood the benefits of underground spaces. The pyramids in Egypt contain underground chambers used for burial and storage, showing that humans have long utilized the earth for shelter.

• Underground Cities: In places like Cappadocia, Turkey, ancient underground cities were built to protect people from invasions and harsh weather conditions.

Why Celebrate National Underground America Day?

National Underground America Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of human construction on the environment and to explore alternative ways of living that are sustainable and eco-friendly. By promoting the idea of underground living, this day highlights the potential for reducing energy consumption, preserving natural landscapes, and creating homes that blend more seamlessly with the earth.

Conclusion

National Underground America Day is a unique observance that encourages innovation in architectural design, environmental stewardship, and energy conservation. Malcolm Wells’ vision of a greener, more harmonious way of building continues to inspire architects and environmentalists around the world, making May 14 a day to celebrate both creative problem-solving and sustainable living practices.