Earthscraper Goes Underground

Architects are planning on constructing a massive underground "earthscraper" in Mexico City.

The huge subterranean structure is one solution proposed to help find more places to build in the overcrowded Mexican capital. The new construction would be 65 stories deep and house a museum, retail space and residential accommodation.

"From an architect's perspective, several problems impede the development of Mexico City, one of the world's largest cities, with a population teeming around 21.2 million. A scarcity of new construction plots, height restrictions that limit new edifices to eight stories and laws that prohibit demolishing historic structures leaves little room for building up."

I am not sure Mexico City is the best place to build; the entire city is over an underground lake.
After the earthquake in 1985, scientists discovered a previously unknown concept called 'Liquefaction' due to the widespread damage in Mexico City.
The other problem, I see off the top of my head, is what if there is a fire? They can't simply knock out glass and use a ladder to reach people, they would have to dig tunnels; we all remember how long it took to get those trapped miners out in Chile.
Any disaster in the building would turn from a novel concept to a pre-buried tomb.

Do you think this is a good idea?

Source: Discovery News

I think I'd describe it as a desperate idea, not necessarily a good one. You pointed out some real problems Nan and I think there are even more to consider.

I think it's a poor idea and I would rather live on the streets than live below ground.

blue

        I think this would be an environmental disaster.  I think they would be better off developing outward (like we always seem to do in  the US after urban sprawl).  I don't see anything good coming from this. 

What is even more scary is the fact that they have already started digging.
I can't imagine what the selling point would be for selling a condo.
"You have a wonderful 360 degree view of dirt"