#9 Underground - Simon Ott

We often think of underground building ideas as always resulting in dark damp earthy places that offer little to the masses in the way of regular shelter.  One man created his own underground oasis in Fresno California.

Now called The Forestiere Underground Gardens and open for touring this 10,000 sqft garden was hand hewn by a Sicilian born Baldassare Forestiere, a former Boston subway digger beginning in 1906 after he purchased land in Fresno in the hopes of creating a garden.  The hardpan soil was impossible to accomplish this dream so he put his skills to work and began digging.

Over the course of 40 years Forestiere worked in his spare time digging and creating gardens and a home in the style of the catacombs he loved exploring as a child.  Using what he learned from being raised as a farmer, the citrus trees he planted were anywhere from 10' to 25' underground and are supplied with light and rain through roof grates.  Rain water collection, cooler temperatures and shelter allow for trees and plants to grow where it wasn't possible on the surface. 

 The hard work of one man turning what many would consider a failure in to an incredible success is a valuable lesson.  With the right vision and perseverance humans can create a more than suitable home for themselves nearly anywhere.  I for one am impressed!