Abstract The State of Israel is one of the densest countries in the world. The common response to the increasing pressure on the national land resources is densification, mainly through urban renewal projects. However, the way these projects are being carried out raised several claims against them. Among others, the creation of alienated urban spaces, the imposition of additional burden on local transportation infrastructures, and lack of planning for potential future risks due to climate change. A possible solution to these problems lies in the underground space beneath these projects. Large projects for urban renewal may be a once-in-a-life-time opportunity for planning and efficient utilization of this resource in three ways: (1) creating an active and vibrant urban space on the ground floor by placing some land uses underground, (2) preparing the infrastructure for a physical connection to possible future underground transportation facilities, (3) creating a readily-available thermal shelter against potential future heat waves. The problem with these uses of underground space is that they represent public goods that the private market cannot (or may not want) to provide. In this study, we examined which public services (besides the design of underground parking basements) can, and should be provided, through the development of the underground in large urban renewal projects, using the existing tools, regulations, and laws. There are many examples in the world of underground development that fulfills different functions. These emphasize the role of underground development as a significant means in the sustainable development of the urban space. However, these studies also point to inherent difficulties that underground development entails, including iii Below the Surface
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