Maria Mundy

THE PARKING GARAGE: A TRANSFORMATION FROM INFRASTRUCTURE TO ARCHITECTURE

PINK PARKING PLACES

Henry Ford’s assembly line allowed for the mass production of automobiles which birthed a need for a new typology: the parking garage. Evolution of the car’s role in American society has shifted, but no further progress in garage design has been made since garage ubiquity in the 1950s. Parking garage organization shows little concern for the mingling of the pedestrian in relation to the car, is exclusively a place to park, and acts as an accessory to other urban generators, making them pieces of infrastructure, not architecture. To turn parking garages to architecture, designers should be concerned with multi-programs, encouraging the pedestrian to linger, and making it known that the garage is a place for the pedestrians just as much as it is for the car. Transforming the garage into architecture and an urban generator in the community is the ultimate goal.

Since the 1950s, parking garages have made very little progress in garage design, even though the car has had many technoligical advances.

Parking garage organization shows little concern for the mingling of the pedestrian in relation to the car.

In the urban environment, parking garages have become exclusively places to park, and act as an accessory to other urban generators, making them pieces of infrastructure, not architecture.

ARCHITECTURAL PROBLEM

The atmosphere created in garages is uninspiring and dull. Program and organization of garages is what makes garage design dated.

Singular program does not entice pedestrian user to linger. Vertical circulation for pedestrians is fire stairs.

The use of garages disrupts urban fabric in the eyes of the beholder. Parking garages are one of the only urban buildings that is not an urban generator.

METHODOLOGY STEP 1: UNDERSTAND GARAGE DESIGN

HORIZONTAL BANDING ON EXTERIOR ELEVATION DIFFERENTIATES GARAGE TYPOLOGY FROM OTHER BUILDING TYPES IN URBAN SETTINGS

CONCRETE AS BUILDING MATERIAL AND BUILDING FINISH.

FIRE STAIRS AS WAY OF VERTICAL CIRCULATION FOR PEDESTRIANS.

LOW FLOOR-TO-FLOOR HEIGHTS RESULT IN LOW LIGHT LEVELS AND AFFECTS THE USER EXPERIENCE IN A NEGATIVE WAY.

SINGLE THREADED HELIX WITH SLOPING FLOORS + 122’ wide by 155’ long + challenging facade treatment + maximum of 6 floors + above 750 spaces

SINGLE THREADED HELIX WITH ONE LEVEL BAY + easy to understand + flat-floor parking and level facade elements

+ better visability enhances security

ONE WAY DOUBLE THREADED DESIGN + prefer 60 degree parking spaces

+ 10’ rise with 240’ in length

+ more efficient on longer sites

+ better for larger facilities with more than 7 levels

TWO WAY DOUBLE THREADED DESIGN

+ efficient circulation and more traffic flow capacity

+ pass fewer spaces in and out

+ complex and confusing (especially when returning to vehicle)

END-TO-END HELIX BOTH BAYS SLOPED

+ sharp turns to oncoming traffic + confusing to users

END-TO-END HELIX ONE BAY SLOPED + sharp turns to oncoming traffic + incoming traffic crosses with outgoing traffic

SIDE-BY-SIDE HELIX + eliminates crossing traffic patterns + mix of flat-floor parking and

TW0-WAY DOUBLE THREADED WITH FLAT BAYS + requires crossing of traffice + use large site lengths + flat-floor parking

ONE-WAY DOUBLE THREADED WITH FLAT BAYS + eliminates crossing traffic patterns + flat-floor parking + no traffic crossings

A RAMP SYSTEM IS SELECTED AS THE PATH FOR THE CAR TO MOVE VERTICALLY THROUGH THE GARAGE. EACH RAMP SYSTEM HAS ITS OWN ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES,

PARALLEL PARKING

PARKING AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE

PARKING AT 60 DEGREE ANGLE

PARKING AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE

PARKING AT 30 DEGREE ANGLE

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

ONE-WAY VS. TWO-WAY TRAFFICE PATTERN

+ easy for parkers to enter/exit parking spaces

+ more centered in angled spaces

+ reduced potential for accidents

+ better visability when backing out

+ improves flow capacity

+ flow is self-enforcing

+ allows angle of parking to be changed to accomodate changes in vehicle sizes

TWO-WAY TRAFFIC

+ allows parkers to pass others and is safer for pedestrians

+ better angle of visability when looking for spot

+ traffic flow fallows own pattern

+ 90 degree parking makes more efficient us of parking aisles

+ operates as one-way facility when heavy directional traffic

THE PARKING SPOT LAYOUT IS SELECTED TO DETERMINE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH THE GARAGE. EACH LAYOUT HAS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES FOR USAGE.

FLOOR PLATES

COLUMNS AND BEAMS

STRUCTURAL EXPLODED AXON

COLUMNS @ 23’ O.C.

8” x 8’ WIDE PRECAST, POST TENSIONED CONCRETE PLANKS

1” THICK CONCRETE OVERLAY

30” D PRECAST CONCRETE BEAM

STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

UNDERSTANDING HOW THE GARAGE IS CONSTRUCTED IS NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND TO MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE FLOOR LEVELS WHEN IMPLEMENTING NEW PROGRAMS INTO THE EXISTING GARAGE.

METHODOLOGY STEP 2: ANALYZE GARAGES IN DAYTON, OHIO

DAYTON, OHIO IS THE LOCATION FOR THE PROTOTYPE PROPOSAL. DAYTON IS KNOWN FOR INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, OURDOOR RECREATION , AND IS THE “BIRTHPLACE OF WHAT’S NEXT.”

THE GREATER DOWNTOWN DAYTON PLAN EXPRESSES INTEREST IN REVIVING THE DOWNTOWN TO MAKE IT A HEALTHY, ACTIVE, AND PROSPEROUS DOWNTOWN REGION.

DAYTON, OHIO HAS 12 PARKING GARAGES THAT WERE ANALYZED TO UNDERSTAND GARAGE DESIGN FURTHER AND ONE WAS SELECTED TO REPRESENT THE BEST PROTOTYPE SOLUTION.

TALBOTT TOWER PARKING

THE ARTS GARAGE ABM PARKING

CITY OF DAYTON MUNICIPAL PARKING

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PARKING

FIFTH THIRD CENTER GARAGE AIR CITY GARAGE

W. 4TH STREET GARAGE

REIBOLD GARAGE

OREGON DISTRICT GARAGE SINCLAIR PARKING GARAGE

FIRST STREET GARAGE

METHODOLOGY STEP 3: CHOOSE GARAGE TO DEVELOP PROTOTYPE + SITE ANALYSIS

3RD LEVEL OF GARAGE AT TOP OF RAMP SHOWING WHAT A TYPICAL LEVEL LOOKS LIKE.

OVERVIEW OF THE ARTS GARAGE FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER, LOOKING NORTHWEST. SOUTH ELEVATION VISIBLE AND MOST ACTIVE WITH PEDESTRIANS.

OVERVIEW OF GARAGE FROM SOUTHWEST CORNER, LOOKING NORTHEAST. ENTRY ON WEST ELEVATION IN CENTER BAY. RAMP SYSTEM VISIBLE FROM TOP OF GARAGE.

VERTICAL CIRCULATION FOR PEDESTRIANS IS FIRE STAIR AND SHOWS LITTLE CONCERN FOR THE USER’S EXPERIENCE.

FEASIBILITY STUDY COMPLETED TO UNDERSTAND IF PARKING SPOTS ARE ABLE TO BE REMOVED. MANY SURROUNDING PARKING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, THESE PARKING LOTS SHOULD BE TRANSFORMED INTO A MULTI-PROGRAMMED GARAGE LIKE THE PROTOTYPE DEVELOPED.

EACH BUILDING SURROUNDING THE EXISTING SITE FITS INTO ONE OF FOUR CATEGORIES FOR THE EXISTING PROGRAM: THEATRE, SCHOOL/CHURCH, OFFICE, AND MUNICIPAL. THESE FOUR CATEGORIES WILL ASSIST IN DETERMINING WHAT PROGRAM SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED INTO THE GARAGE.

METHODOLOGY STEP 4: PROGRAM PROPOSAL FOR DESIGN

THEATRE RESTAURANT + BAR

+ ALLOWS THEATRE GOERS TO HAVE DINNER BEFORE/AFTER SHOW + ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO COME TO GARAGE FOR A MEAL NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM

DINING BAR

PERFORMANCES

AMOUNT OF SPACE

15 SF/PERSON DINING ROOM = 60% TOTAL AREA

KITCHEN = 40% TOTAL AREA

GALLERY

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

COMPLETE MEP FURNITURE

+ ART ENTHUSIASTS HAVE ART TO ENJOY BEFORE/AFTER SHOW + DRAWS ART ANNEX MEMBERS FROM ACROSS STREET TO GARAGE

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM GALLERIES RECEPTION AREA LOUNGE AREA

GIFT SHOP

AMOUNT OF SPACE

VARIES

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

UTILITIES CLEAR PATH FOR PEDESTRIANS

OFFICE SPACE CAFE + SITTING AREA

+ PROVIDE OUTLET FOR LOCAL BUSINESS EMPLOYEES TO GATHER

+ DRAWS STUDENTS AS STUDY SPOT FROM SINCLAIR COLLEGE

+ PROVIDES AMENITIES FOR THEATRE FOR SNACKS TO ENHANCE USER’S EXPERIENCE

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM

KITCHEN DRINK BAR

SEATING

BATHROOMS

PARK

AMOUNT OF SPACE

15 SF/PERSON

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

MEP FURNITURE

+ SPACE DURING WARMTH MONTHS FOR EMPLOYEES TO ESCAPE FROM OFFICE STRESS AND RELAX + ABLE TO SEE PARK FROM STREET TO ENCOURAGE TRAVEL TO ROOF

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM

SITTING AREAS

WALKING PATHS

LOUNGE SPACES

GREEN SPACE

COMMUNITY PLAZA

SHADE

AMOUNT OF SPACE

VARIES

CONVENIENCE STORE

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

STRUCTURE REINFORCEMENT WATER SUPPLY DRAINAGE

+ PROVIDES LOCATION FOR OFFICE WORKERS TO GRAB AND GO FOR SNACKS, DRINKS, ETC.

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM

CASH REGISTER

REFRIGERATORS

SNACK STANDS

AMOUNT OF SPACE

VARIES

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

REFRIGERANT ELECTRIC

SCHOOLS + CHURCHES THEATRE

+ PROVIDES SPACE TO HOLD COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENTS AND SPACE FOR YOUTH TO HANG OUT

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM

MOVIE ROOM CONCESSIONS PROJECTION ROOM SCREEN

YOGA STUDIO

AMOUNT OF SPACE

3,000 SF = 200 SEATS ABOUT 15 CHAIRS/ROW

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

SOUND QUALITY SPEAKERS NO REVERBERANCE DARK SPACE

+ DRAWS PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE COMMUNITY TO GATHER AND FOCUS ON PHYSICAL HEALTH

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM STUDIO RECEPTION AREA

FITNESS RETAIL LOCATION

PARK

AMOUNT OF SPACE

25’ x 25’ = 30 MEMBERS

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

NATURAL LIGHT TEMPERATURE REGULATED ROOM ACOUSTICS (LIKE MUSEUM/LIBRARY)

+ GIVE SPACE FOR COMMUNITY TO ENJOY VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES IN WARM MONTHS

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM SITTING AREAS

WALKING PATHS

LOUNGE SPACES GREEN SPACE COMMUNITY PLAZA

SHADE

AMOUNT OF SPACE

VARIES

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

STRUCTURE REINFORCEMENT WATER SUPPLY DRAINAGE

MUNICIPAL COLOCATION (COLO) DATA CENTER

+ PROVIDES THREAT ASSESSMENT TO LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES (I.E. COURTS) BY RELOCATING DATA PROTECTION OFFSITE + PROVIDES DATA TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM

POWER/ELECTRIC (UPS) –UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY COOLING

PHYSICAL SECURITY CABELING SERVER RACKS

SOLAR PANELS

AMOUNT OF SPACE

SERVER RACKS = 4’x2’ 54,000+ SF

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

STRUCTURE REINFORCEMENT HVAC (COOLING)

+ PROVIDES POWER TO SURROUNDING ELEMENTS IN CITY + ENERGY-EFFICIENT WAY OF SUPPLYING POWER

NEEDS + RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN

PROGRAM PV PANELS CHARAGE CONTROLLER BATTERY INVERTER PANEL SUPPORTS

AMOUNT OF SPACE

15 WATTS/SF

ARCHITECTURE/ INFRASTRUCTURE

SUN EXPOSURE

PROPOSAL

SECTIONS

PLANS