Chapter 3: From yaodong to the third dimension – historical approaches to underground urbanism

Humans have been seeking shelter in caves from the early beginnings of human existence. Worldwide evidence in the form of cave paintings led to this conclusion, although some dispute this given the nomadic way of life of early civilisations. Large settlements in cave-like structures can be found in Turkey (Cappadocia, notably Derinkuyu), and also in Iran (Kish) and Tunisia (Magmata and Chenini). Seeking shelter from hostile environments, whether from the climate or hostile tribes, is, historically, the main reason for creating habitats inside hills or mountains or below the surface. In China, the concept of subterranean dwellings is known as yaodong (Figure 3.1). The yaodong are of interest because in many ways they can be seen to be the archetypical concept of human underground settlement. They are also of interest in that they have stood the test of time and are still widely in use today.