RE IMAGIN ING CAR PARKS
REIMAGINING CAR PARKS A book of car park inspirations brought to you by Jotun in collaboration with leading architects from the region.
A NOTE OF THANKS.
Haifa Musallam Haifa is a Founder and Principle Architect at Avantgarde Architects & Engineers. As an architect, she sees beauty in everything. Her strength in design and concept generation gives her a strong command of design process and design delivery. She believes modern architecture is not about the same thing but different things happening at the same time. Mona Hussein Mona Hussein is the creative force behind her design offices of Mona Hussein Design House MHDH - & Mahally with Mona Hussein. Being part of an award-winning project ‘Designopolis’, she has made her mark on many of Egypt’s most elegant interiors and projects. Ahmed Gad As Lead Design Architect at Arab Engineering Bureau, Ahmed Gad leads a talented team of architects as well manages the studio’s activities for key clients and projects across the region. As a LEED Green Associate, he believes that architecture should play a sustainable and environmental role in the physical world. Ehab ElSharkawy As the Specifications Manager at Engineering Consultant Group, Ehab ElSharkawy is responsible for guiding, coordinating, monitoring and managing the progress of key projects. His thesis work revolved around developing the performance of an engineering company by using “Six Sigma.” Wissam Serhan Wissam Serhan is a Design Manager Architect at Khatib & Alami and is responsible for Schematic and Detail Designs of the Project, as well as Construction Tender Documentation for Architectural Design Deliverables.
A CONVERSATION ON CAR PARKS.
What makes a car park a talking point? Imagine a forty-storey building without a car park? Or a massive mall? Or a big, busy hospital? Let’s face it. Car parks are important. They are the first and last impression of any building. But what makes a car park so special? And what does the future hold? At Jotun, we believe not only in leading the way in everything we do but also by inspiring you too. And while inspiration can come from anywhere, it takes an exceptional eye to drive the vision of a beautiful car park forward. The pages of this book compile inspiring ideas from conversations with the region’s leading names in architecture. Wissam Serhan Senior Architect and Specification Writer at Khatib & Alami, Ehab ElSharkawy - Specifications Manager at ECG, Ahmed Gad - Lead Design Architect at Arab Engineering Bureau, Haifa Musallam – Principal Architect at Avantgarde Architects & Engineers and Mona Hussein – Founder of MHDH & Mahally. They take us through beautiful car parks from all over the world and unravel pearls of advice. Their words throw light on how car parks can be transformed by reimagining the three fundamentals: unique design, brighter light and vibrant colour.
Great design is not just about a feeling or a particular look. Great design is what makes something really work. When it comes to car parks, design is a passive problem-solver that constantly seeks brilliant results. It dictates the way people think and also simplifies every complication. But more importantly, design amplifies the human experience.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR DESIGN?
“I look at function before everything. Especially for car parks, the flow and navigation are crucial. But there are so many other elements too. How different materials work with each other. How the space will stand the test of time. Design should solve every issue you face.” -
Wissam Serhan
“I have a passion for anything that is BB: Beneficial and Beautiful. I find inspiration in nature, different cultures, art, exhibitions and even in the exemplary work of great designers. It’s great to get out of your comfort zone and push your boundaries every day. Why should car parks be an exception?” -
Mona Hussein
“I’m usually inspired by the space, the conditions, and even the climate. I believe design and layout has a profound impact on people.” -
Haifa Musallam
FUNCTIONAL -
WISSAM SERHAN
ON DESCRIBING A CAR PARK IN ONE WORD
“Human-first designs are something that I always seek to deliver. If you can balance it with comfort, you can achieve wonderful results. While it may change a bit from brief to brief, I develop my thought process with this in mind.” -
Ahmed Gad
“Besides just directly diving deep into the design, I look for practical solutions. Sometimes, it’s not just purely the design but the specifications of every aspect and the efficiencies that can make a huge difference. Factoring every little detail so it all comes together seamlessly is key.” -
Ehab ElSharkawy
“GOOD DESIGN MAKES CAR PARKS PERFORM EFFECTIVELY.” –
EHAB ELSHARKAWY
“PAINTS WITH STRONG ANTI-CARBONATION PROPERTIES ARE A GREAT NECESSITY.” –
HAIFA MUSALLAM
Parking des Celestins is where modest geometry and intricate design create a landmark. (Lyon, France)
This Shanghai car park is cleverly designed to balance the indoor and outdoor with a splash of nature. (Shanghai, China)
A futuristic and dynamic design makes this Dubai car park stand out. (Dubai, UAE)
Gastown Parades’ stunning design spirals straight into the Vancouver sky. (Vancouver, Canada)
COLOUR
There’s a certain magic about colour. It can transform a place. It can change your mood. It can remind you where you last parked your car and create levels. Colour can tell you where you need to go or which direction you’re heading towards. It can warn you. And charm you. Colour can add life to dull, grey car parks.
THE POWER OF COLOUR.
“Colour is everything. I once spent 4 months just picking the right shade of paint. I was obsessed about this particular shade of sand that would play an integral role in my overall design theme. So, I actually went to Sir Bani Yas Island and collected the sand.” -
Haifa Musallam
“Colours can transform a space completely and animate it totally. Especially car parks. But it is important to factor the use of colour in the different design details and in the specifications.” -
Ehab ElSharkawy
“Car parks these days lack soul and fun. Colour is one surefire way of turning a dull, soulless and unfriendly place to a happy one.” -
Mona Hussein
SAVIOUR -
MONA HUSSEIN ON DESCRIBING A CAR PARK IN ONE WORD
“I personally love the use of bright colours. There are so many ways you can use colour effectively. One interesting way of using colour is to match the lobby with the car park and create a seamless transition.” -
Ahmed Gad
“One of the big roles that colour plays is in the segmentation of a space. Especially in malls. Colour is therefore crucial for any car park. It helps in making the experience easier and simpler. It also livens up a space. I’ve been noticing car parks with colour graphics and designs that are popping up in different cities. And that can make the space quite animated.” -
Wissam Serhan
“COLOUR CAN TRANSFORM THE DESIGN OF A CAR PARK.” –
MONA HUSSEIN
DYNAMIC -
EHAB ELSHARKAWY ON DESCRIBING A CAR PARK IN ONE WORD
“COLOUR ANIMATES BORING SPACES.” –
WISSAM SERHAN
Beautiful and vibrant colours bring this Saint Gervais car park to life. (Lyon, France)
Warm yellow blocks of colour make all the difference in this Shanghai car park. (Shanghai, China) JOTUN COLOUR 20
A streak of green trails impeccably on this vibrant car park wall in Beijing. (Beijing, China)
Stripes of alternating blue add to the playful appeal of this sporty car park in Spain. (Canovas, Spain)
Car parks have been notorious for being dimly lit in the past. But the future is looking brighter. Light makes you feel welcome. It reassures you if you feel unsafe. Light saves you from accidents. It uplifts your mood and transforms the size of a place.
MAKING LIGHT MATTER.
“Light is very important. Indirect light when used cleverly can give the impression of natural light. And that’s so wonderful. Plus, light helps in safety. We need to be creative with light. And mix different sources of light.” -
Haifa Musallam
“I’m a big fan of natural light. Light when used wisely is a game-changer. Of course, it matters how it all comes together in the end – but it is an element of car park design or any design for that matter that should always be taken very seriously.” -
Ahmed Gad
STARTINGPOINT -
HAIFA MUSALLAM ON DESCRIBING A CAR PARK IN ONE WORD
“Light is a great way to create a big impact not just in terms of the look of the car park but also for its functionality too. It can alleviate lifeless grey spaces and transform them completely.” -
Ehab ElSharkawy
“Light can make a huge difference in a car park. Especially when it comes to the security, navigation, aesthetics and the overall positive vision of the space.” -
Mona Hussein
“You’ve always seen movies where crimes happen in dark car park spaces. Jokes apart, light actually makes a place safer. The last thing you want is an accident of any kind. In fact, there are certain regulations in different cities when it comes to light and aeration. There needs to be some amount of open areas as well, for instance.” -
Wissam Serhan
IMPORTANT -
AHMED GAD ON DESCRIBING A CAR PARK IN ONE WORD
“NATURAL LIGHT IS POWERFUL.” –
AHMED GAD
Concentric circular structures define this Vienna car park. (Vienna, Austria)
Light takes the spotlight at this futuristic Rotterdam car park. (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
Bright spaces with reflective paints truly illuminate this car park. (Beijing, China)
Light takes centerstage in this bright, open Michigan car park. (Michigan, United States)
MY IDEAL CAR PARK.
“AN AUTOMATED CAR PARK WITH ROBOTIC ARMS, LESS NOISE, AND NO CARBON FOOTPRINT.” –
AHMED GAD ON HIS IDEAL CAR PARK
“BRIGHT, COLOURFUL AND WELL-LIT.” –
MONA HUSSEIN ON HER IDEAL CAR PARK
“EFFECTIVE IN COST AND DESIGN.” –
EHAB ELSHARKAWY ON HIS IDEAL CAR PARK
“STRUCTURES WITH A PLAY OF MIXED MATERIALS.” –
HAIFA MUSALLAM ON HER IDEAL CAR PARK
“GRAPHIC, ANIMATED AND MULTI-PURPOSE.” –
WISSAM SERHAN ON HIS IDEAL CAR PARK
TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR.
“I think we will see the use of automation and more sustainable design coming into practice.” –
Ahmed Gad
“We’re seeing technology totally transform the traditional spot and that is affecting the way we look at design and the kind of materials we use. Multi-purpose car parks are getting more and more common and we will see new ideas coming to the fore as a result of all of this. These are truly exciting times.” –
Wissam Serhan
“The use of interesting and innovative materials is something that will keep evolving. And the technologies to further enhance a car park and its design are definitely areas that are going to play a huge role in the future.” –
Ehab ElSharkawy
“I’d like to see more innovation. Unfortunately, car parks are usually the last priority on the list of most developers and designers. I hope the future sees less people playing it safe. Personally, for instance, I would love to have a car park paint that has different textures and that blends in with the heritage.” –
Haifa Musallam
“So much has changed over the centuries and especially with the evolution of transport. From a simple space that was once reserved for horse carts to a multi-storey building with car elevators, car parks have evolved, haven’t they? In the future, you’ll see more car parks that look like shopping malls. Where you can park and enjoy different services like having a food or drink or grocery shopping. I also hope we see services built around the car park not the other way around. We can also definitely expect solar panels that charge electric cars. Lovely scented atmospheres to create a better environment and more LED interactive advertising screens.”
-
Mona Hussein
SAY GOODBYE TO ORDINARY.
Car parks don’t have to be dull and dark. They can be bright, happy and beautiful spaces. Let’s make car parks more enjoyable with wonderful ideas. Let’s fill them with delight and practicality. Let’s reimagine car parks.