Underground Skyscraper is a Self-Sufficient Desert City

As we deplete our natural resources, we are left with huge gaping holes in the ground - scars from our <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-pit_mining" target="_blank">open-pit mining</a> exploits. Matthew Fromboluti of Washington University in St. Louis has a plan to heal those scars with an underground skyscraper that fills the hole and creates a self-sustaining community in its place. His proposal, <a href="http://www.evolo.us/architecture/skyscraper-or-sustainable-underground-society/" target="_blank">Above Below</a>, is proposed to infill the 900-foot deep and nearly 300-acre wide crater left by the former Lavender Pit Mine outside of Bisbee, Arizona.

After all of the resources are taken from the ground in the area, the result a gigantic hole in the ground and a scar on the landscape.

Matthew Fromboluti of Washington University in St. Louis proposes to fill those massive holes with underground skyscrapers that are covered with a earthen dome with skylights to let sun in and help control the climate.

The cone-shaped skyscraper is inverted in the hole and held in place with structural supports stuck into the sides of the mine as well as at the very bottom.

The top of the skyscraper is covered with a dome full of skylights to help control the climate and let daylight in. The self-sufficient community is connected to the nearby town via a light rail system.

The skyscraper contains various areas for living, working, recreation, and growing platforms. The entire structure is suspended via walkways and cables.

Commercial areas are located near the top and living quarters are lower down below. Large intake tubes located near the bottom suck in cool air and exhaust it out the top.

Growing terraces are located vertically along the skyscraper and take advantage of sunlight filtering in from the skylights.

Natural ventilation is employed to suck air in from outside then down through intakes at the bottom. Hot air is forced out of the top through the solar chimney.

Wind turbines and solar catchers take renewable resources and produce renewable energy.