Whether your commercial space is multifamily, mixed-use, hospitality, retail, office, or healthcare-related, parking is an important part of the overall design and functionality. Every commercial property needs adequate and accessible parking for all patrons. The key is to start planning well in advance, so you don’t have to go back and re-engineer or rebuild to address major, costly issues. Use the following tips and trends for parking structures and lots to inform your next project.
Alternative parking spots
Some cities require buildings with public parking to offer a variety of parking spaces, including EV charging stations for hybrid vehicles. These charging stations require wiring and conduits built into the parking structure.
No parking
In dense urban environments where some residents opt to go carless, parking isn’t as much of a priority. Creative solutions to fewer parking spaces can include residents renting out some open parking spaces to others in the area who might need them. Building owners and parking operators can also work together on sharing parking spaces to limit the amount of construction.
Sustainability
While parking garages and driving cars, in general, aren’t associated with being “green,” lighting inside the parking garage is one solution for incorporating sustainability into the structure. Installing or upgrading to energy-efficient LED parking garage light fixtures can reduce energy use by 90 percent with lighting designated with the U.S. Energy Department Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) certification.
Additionally, green building materials that take into consideration the end-to-end material life cycle that can later be recycled after the structure is no longer in use will prove to be valuable for parking structures.
Shade
Another parking trend, shade canopies for covered car parking is an attractive solution. These car shelters can create shade, shelter from the rain, and help keep the interiors of the cars cool, while also becoming a unique part of a building’s overall exterior design.
Tensile Facade
For parking structures, tensile facades can be used to cover the exterior. From adding colors, patterns, and unique shapes, the tension building facade can add a design element and update the overall look of the structure with minimal cost compared to new construction.
There’s a variety of ways to build and update a parking structure. Use these design elements for your next project that can increase efficiency and possibly save some money while you’re at it.
In the Tension Structures Division of Eide Industries, we specialize in design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of structurally complex and creatively challenging commercial, government, and prototype design projects. We provide expertise and support for architects, landscape designers, general contractors, and property owners to develop their custom tensile membrane project ideas and construct iconic structures.
Explore the options for your next project. Contact one of our experts today by calling 800-422-6827.