multi basement parking case study slideshare

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Parking: Basement  

by the National Institute of Building Sciences

Within This Page

Space attributes, relevant codes and standards, additional resources.

The Basement Parking space type refers to parking located below grade within an occupied building. As defined for the WBDG, the Level of Service (LOS) (refer to Architectural Graphic Standards, 10th Edition , page 106) of the Inside/Basement Parking is LOS B, indicating use by some unfamiliar users, moderate daily turnover, and medium percentage of small cars and light trucks; and requiring one-way aisles of 11'-0" straight-ways and 13'- 6" turns. See also WBDG Parking Structure .

This building's design elements are incorporated into the Parking entrance, providing a safe and pleasing appearance.

All parking structures—whether basement, structured , or surface —must provide for the safe and efficient passage of automobiles and visitors to and from their vehicles. Therefore, attention should be given to providing the maximum driver visibility possible at all turning points along the roadway. While Federal Courthouses have Inside/Basement parking for only the judges and Marshals Service, it is typical beneath Office Buildings for building occupants and visitors as well. Typical features of the Parking: Basement space type include the list of applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. For a complete list and definitions of the design objectives within the context of whole building design , click on the titles below.

• Parking Spaces and Entrances : Accessible parking spaces must be provided for each parking structure associated with the building and calculated separately. At least one of every 6 accessible spaces, or fraction of 6, in each parking facility must be sized to accommodate vans. Accessible spaces must be dispersed among accessible entrances and be located on the shortest route to the entrances that they serve. (There are variations to the rules depending on the building type. See the U.S. Access Board for more information.)
• Finishes : Incorporate slip-resistant finishes to meet accessibility requirements.
• Signage : The international symbol of accessibility must be placed in front of the parking spaces mounted at least five feet above the ground, measured to the bottom of the sign. Van accessible spaces include the designation "van accessible".

Van space: Wider parking space. Van spaces provide an additional 3 feet of width to accommodate vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts. This extra space can be added to either the parking space or to the access aisle. Source: US Access Board, Guide to the ADA Standards, Parking Spaces.

• Materials and Colors : Parking is as much of a destination as the building. Drivers are trying to locate the parking garage and the best way to enter it. Aesthetics play an important role in how the overall building and the companies/organizations within it are perceived. Care and attention should be given to the colors and materials used in the space to create a feeling of safety and ease of access. Durable materials and finishes should be used to maintain the appearance of the space.
• Graphics : Incorporate visually interesting and informative graphics to relay messages about directions, activities, and events within the building.

Underground parking at Hotel Puerta de América. Bold and colorful graphics provide inspiration and direction to visitors while also creating the feeling of a safe place. Photo credit: Architect Teresa Sapey

Cost Effective

• Life Cycle Analysis : Incorporate materials, products, and systems that meet long-term life-cycle performance goals to reduce operations and maintenance costs.
• Maintenance : Care and maintenance of the parking structure should be part of the plan to keep the aesthetic value and prolong its service life.
• Plan for Additional Uses : Design parking for future adaptations into spaces such as offices or apartments, which will generate additional revenues. Consider renting out unused parking spaces to nearby tenants to share costs and also generate additional revenue. Consider developing near mass transit if building a new structure or even renovating an existing structure to save costs and promote alternative forms of transportation.

Functional / Operational

• Additional Structural Requirements : Below grade extension of the building structure to accommodate basement parking is required. This involves additional excavation, structural frame, floor slabs above, sloped vehicle access ramps, and basement perimeter walls and partitions separating parking from other building enclosed areas. Typical structural floor construction is 4000 PSI 6" concrete slab with welded wire fabric designed for a live load of 80 LBS/SF, and with a ramp slope of no more than 5.5%.
• Space Allocation : An average garage requires three to six times more square feet than the actual dimension of a car to accommodate drive aisles, ramps, and standard parking space dimensions. Land costs continue to rise, while the availability of space is becoming scarce. Consider incorporating lift technology or automated parking systems where land and space are at a premium. This can reduce the amount of needed square feet as well as save on construction costs and overall operating costs.
• Signage and Wayfinding : Signage should indicate all major internal pedestrian access points as well as external major roads and buildings. In basement parking, pavement markings are reflective paint and traffic control signage is usually reflective metal with minimum 5" high letters. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (ANSI D 6.1e) provides guidance on pavement marking and signage.
• Ventilation : The parking area is generally supplied with unconditioned air utilizing multiple speed fans, preferably interlocked with carbon monoxide detectors tied into an alarm system. 1-1/2 CFM per square foot capacity and 100% exhaust air coordinated with the supply air system is recommended.
• Parking Management : Pre-manufactured booths with transaction windows and deal trays can be installed at vehicular entrances/exits to manage entering and exiting vehicles. A cooling system, like a packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC), is usually incorporated to supply the booth with outside air at a positive pressure relative to surrounding parking areas. Additionally, consider implementing electronic entry and exit machines, making it easier for users to self-park and pay. This is an excellent way to track garage traffic user patterns and manage money more effectively and safely.

Brightly painted directional arrows and columns help drivers navigate this parking structure more easily and safely.

Secure / Safe

• Security Protection : Beyond parking management, several security measures are incorporated into typical basement parking spaces to ensure the security of visitors. These generally include: uniform lighting coverage, preferably with energy-efficient light fixtures; closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras; card reader access control for vehicle entrance doors; concrete filled protective bollards to protect vehicle entry keypads; and hydraulic lift wedge type barriers for egress control. Also critical is security control of access from the parking area to other occupied areas of the building either through termination at a security screening in the main lobby or through access control at the elevator or stair entrance. Elevator lobbies are usually tempered safety glass panels with glazed exterior doors containing keyed lever lockset with panic release bar. See also WBDG Secure /Safe—Security for Building Occupants and Assets .
• Fire and Life Safety : Proper notification systems, lighting, and signage are required to facilitate safe and speedy evacuations during an emergency in the basement parking spaces. This is usually accomplished with proper fire alarm wiring, pull stations, strobes, annunciators, and exit signage. In addition, exposed pipe sprinkler system is extended into the basement parking, with a hose bib at every level. See also WBDG Secure / Safe—Fire Protection .
• Drainage and Storm Water Management : Water runoff from vehicles is typically dealt with in basement parking spaces by installing trench drains with cast iron covers at all vehicle entrance/exit points, sand and oil traps at all storm drain discharge points, and floor area drains at every low point.

LED technologies can help direct drivers to available parking spaces, increasing safety and reducing driving time and emissions. The system can track cars coming into and leaving the parking structure and provide valuable information to drivers such as parking rules and alerts.

Sustainable

• Lighting : Incorporate energy efficient lighting and lighting controls into the parking areas, entrances, and exits to improve lighting levels while also reducing energy use.
• Parking Priorities : Plan for and provide priority parking for hybrid cars and electric vehicles (EV). Also provide EV charging stations to contribute to the adoption of EVs. Many cities are requiring buildings with parking to be EV ready, meaning that wiring and conduits are built into the structure, even if charging stations are not.
• Construction Materials : Use durable and sustainable materials with a reduced carbon footprint or that are locally procured and/or recyclable. Consider the material life cycle in the decision-making process in order to reduce the production and consumption of new materials.
• Indoor Environmental Quality : Use natural ventilation, heat recovery, and other sustainable technologies whenever possible. Using exhaust sensors to automatically turn fans on and off can reduce fan runtime, which will reduce energy consumption without reducing air quality.

Example Plan

The following is representative of a plan of a basement garage located in a high-rise office building.

• GSA PBS-P100 Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service
• ICC IBC International Building Code
• Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) certification : Offered by The US Department of Energy, LEEP enables facility owners and managers to take advantage of savings opportunities from high-efficiency lighting solutions in their parking facilities.
• Parksmart : The Green Parking Council's Green Garage Certification is a way for parking lot owners and operators to back-check their parking structure sustainability.
• Sustainable Sites Certification
• UFGS 32 17 24.00 10 Pavement Markings
• US Access Board: ADA Guidelines: Chapter 5, Accessible Parking Requirements
• US Green Building Council LEED Rating System

Organizations

• International Parking & Mobility Institute

Publications

• Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition by The American Institute of Architects, Dennis J. Hall. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2016.
• Guide to FEMP-Designated Parking Structure Lighting by the Federal Energy Management Program. Washington, DC: FEMP, March 2013.
• High-Efficiency Parking Lighting in Federal Facilities   Case Study of Camp Pendleton by the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Low Energy Parking Structure Design   by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Golden, Colorado: NREL, January 2013.

WBDG Participating Agencies

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• by Alan O'Donovan
• March 13, 2024

5 Strategies for Managing Multi-Level Parking Lots

Urban environments continually grapple with the challenge of accommodating an ever-increasing number of vehicles in restricted spaces. Multi-level parking lots have become innovative solutions, maximizing space efficiency and redefining urban parking. Thus, the importance of multi-level parking lot management has increased tenfold in recent years.

This blog explores effective strategies for managing these complex structures, ensuring safety, convenience, and sustainability.

Table of Contents

1. Embracing Innovative Design and Technology

Innovative design for efficient space utilization.

Multi-level parking structures require thoughtful design to maximize space while ensuring user safety and convenience. Key elements include efficient vehicle circulation paths, ample lighting, and clear signage.

Advanced Technology for Enhanced User Experience

Incorporating technologies like automated parking systems, sensor-based guidance systems, and app-based reservation systems is crucial. These tools improve user experience and operational efficiency.

2. Integrating Smart Parking Solutions

With the The global parking management system market is estimated at US$ 5.6 billion in 2024 , implementing IoT devices and AI tools can optimize space availability and guide drivers to open spots. This technology is not only a convenience but also a significant revenue generator.

3. Implementing Dynamic Pricing and Gateless Technologies

Adapting parking fees based on demand through dynamic pricing can help maximize revenue and manage lot occupancy. Gateless technologies, including license plate recognition systems, reduce wait times and congestion, thereby enhancing the driver experience.

4. Optimizing Space and Supporting Sustainability

Sustainable design choices.

Optimizing parking layouts and incorporating green technologies like green roofs, solar panels, and EV charging stations can significantly reduce environmental impact.

Encouraging EV Integration

With the rising number of electric vehicles , integrating EV charging stations is essential. This not only caters to modern needs but also supports environmental sustainability.

Partnering with Parking Management Companies

Companies like Wayleadr can optimize the use of multi-level parking spaces through advanced parking lot management software. This ensures a smooth and efficient parking experience.

Multi-level parking lots are more than a solution to space constraints; they represent a forward-thinking approach to urban development. By incorporating smart technologies, sustainable practices, and efficient management, these structures set a new standard for urban infrastructure, addressing current needs and preparing for future demands.

R each out to us for a personalized consultation and explore how our expertise can transform your parking lot. Contact us today and take the first step towards a better arrival experience for your workplace.

• TAGS: arrival , multi-level parking , multi-level parking management , parking lot management , parking managent software , workplace parking

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Case study: Improving the parking experience for users using design thinking

A design thinking project to identify the differences in the user’s experience and provide effective solutions..

Kumar Aditya Pani

Hey, I’m an electronics engineer by profession. I’ve worked as a graphic designer all through my college years, but I’ve always wanted to learn more about user experience. I started my UX journey when I enrolled myself in the UX mastery course by Growth School under Anudeep Ayyagari. The main aim of this project was to understand users better through the design thinking approach.

We were provided with 11 problem areas to choose from. The idea was to choose a specific region and find any existing gaps in the user’s experience. The users were none other than our teammates since we were already divided into groups of 6-8. My problem area for the project was parking spaces, as it was a region I was not that familiar with.

What problems do people even have with respect to parking spaces? How could I find gaps in user’s experience? What if user’s don’t actively interact with the area?

I knew that I had to keep my assumptions and biases aside and just follow the process to end up with a result. Making errors and learning from them was one of the project’s objectives. Learn to unlearn.

Plan of Action: What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is a method for better understanding users, empathizing with them, and detecting holes in their experience. This procedure enables us to come up with the best feasible answer to the user’s concerns.

Hence, in order to understand more about the user’s experience with the parking space, these steps were followed

Before moving on to the next stage, it was important for me to remember that I am NOT the user and that I must keep my own perspectives to a minimum so that the insights I gain from my users are not biased.

Empathize 🧐

This was the first stage, the idea was to interview the users regarding their experiences and interactions with parking spaces. I had prepared a set of questions for the interview and made sure they’d be conversational in nature.

This would then allow me to gather insights and identify issues/gaps that even the users would overlook.

My questions are listed below:

1. So tell me a little about yourself, who you are, and what you do? And how would you describe yourself in one word? 2. What type of a house do you live in? Is it an apartment or your own house? 3. How many vehicles do you own? Could you please tell me more about the layout of your house. 3. How accessible is your parking lot? Could you explain in detail as to how you park your vehicles? 4. When you have guests coming over, where do they park their vehicles? Is there any dedicated parking spaces for them? 5. When was the first time you learned to drive, what was your experience like? 6. Could you tell me one thing you like and one thing that you dislike the most about your parking area? 7. When you go out driving how do you go about finding parking for your vehicle? 8. Tell me your worst experience with parking your vehicle? 9. What do you imagine your ideal parking spot to be like?

I was doing everything I could to avoid biasing my users towards answering my questions the way I wanted them to. I was confused and nervous at the first interview, but by the fifth, I had gained confidence in the interviewing process. I learned a lot about my teammates and discovered that users are accustomed to their surroundings and are unable to recognize problems on their own.

After the interviews, I went over my notes and separated their responses and any gaps I could find.

This stage most importantly taught me how to EMPATHIZE with users by listening carefully. The idea was to know the people you’re designing for, so you understand their needs better.

After gathering all of the data from the interview, it was time to sort through all of the information and find any potential problems that the user could have faced.

Unavailability of dedicated parking spot — The problem might be due to inadequate parking spaces or people owning more than one car or no assigned/marked parking spots in general. Possibility of the car getting scratched — Cars being left unattended, carelessness of ongoing traffic. Dust collecting on the car — Ongoing traffic/pollution causes dust fly in the air and collect on the vehicles, cars left for a long duration of time. Person scouting entire area — Due to no dedicated parking spot, parking vehicle changes on daily basis based on availability. No visitor parking — Parking region might not be equiped to let visitors park their vehicles, or locality doesn’t allow visitors to park inside. Too many pillars and obstructions — A basic requirement for keeping a structure stable and built, also sometimes used to mark parking spots in the basement (divided parking spots based on the pillar construction) Parking vehicle far away from destination due to fear of not finding a parking spot — No information on availability of parking in a region or too much crowd gathering thus parking spots being full. Gate needs to be manually opened and closed by user — No appointed person to open and close the gate, no automation system that opens or closes. User mentioned that they had to manually open the gate everytime they went out or came back home. Parking signs not being noticible — Placing signs in random region where people can’t notice or having trees that grow over and cover the signs.

The goal was to dive deep into why the user was having this problem and why it was significant. This stage assisted me in determining the causes of typical user issues.

After defining the problems faced by the users, now came the time to brainstorm ideas to solve these problems. A method known as ‘Crazy 8’ was used for this. In this procedure, I had to come up with a maximum of 8 solutions in 8 minutes for each of the problem statements.

The solutions were as follows (a total of 21):

Divide/mark parking spots into sections and assign them to utilize every square inch Underground parking section Lift to take cars to the terrace and utilize terrace for parking Setting up foldable or openable or barricades that can go into the ground to divide the parking spot from the main road and also allow vehicles to get out Multi-level/double decker parking machine Applying a sort of rubber coating to prevent vehicles to getting scratched Adding a type of a metal guard around the car that protects it the car from getting scrapped and in turn takes the damage if ever One full enclosure that comes out of the parking area nearby that fully covers the car and protects it Proximity sensor alarms that go off the moment any vehicles come too close to the parked vehicle Use a cover to cover your vehicle thus preventing dust accumulation Teflon coating on the car Install water sprinklers on top of to wash the cars occasionally Use high speed fan blowing air into the car Sensor that detects a vehicle approaching and opens and closes the gate after scanning RFID chip Remote controlled gate where user has a remote which they can use to open or close the gate without getting out of the car Installing a meter outside the gate where the user can use their card and scan it and press a button thus making the gate to open The gate can have a padding of sort and when a vehicle touches the gate it can flip/rotates around and lets the car in Place parking signs in more visible regions A sensor that beeps every time a car is parked in a no parking region (thus letting the driver know that if the car isn’t moved then they shall get fined) Add a light source that flashes bright on the road sign (bordering the sign) Make the road sign with a light outline instead of a non illuminated symbol

The top 3 ideas that I finally decided upon were:

1. Setting up foldable or openable barricades that can go into the ground to divide the parking spot from the main road and also allow vehicles to get out — Retractable barricades would help users in locating secure parking locations on the side of the road while also preventing vehicle damage and better-utilizing roads to maximize efficiency.

2. Installing a meter outside the gate where the user can use their card and scan it or press a button thus making the gate open — This solution would allow users to open gates without having to get out of their cars and manually open them, which may be a tiresome operation after a long and exhausting day.

3. Multi-level/double-decker parking machine — A multi-level parking setup would solve the problem of having a lack of dedicated parking spaces.

I went forward with idea 1 for prototying and testing.

This stage demonstrated how we come up with several solutions that individuals may find useful, and to remember that there are no bad ideas!

Prototype 🔨

Problem Statement: Due to lack of parking spaces the user is required to park their car on the side of the road. Design a solution to make sure that the parked vehicle is safe from taking any damage, both light and heavy impact from the nearby ongoing traffic.

After all the research and understanding of the problem, I started to work on my solution. I came up with a solution which was to set up foldable or openable barriers that could be retracted into the ground to separate the parking area from the main road while still allowing vehicles to exit.

The sketches for the initial prototype are shown below

I got the idea for a retractable barrier system from the Bangalore bus lane design, which had pole dividers that separated the main road from the special bus lane.

I selected this concept since it is a widespread problem with a broad target audience. The barricade would be built of strong metal and operated by hydraulics.

The reasons I feel that this is a viable solution:

• This idea makes use of the roadside to enable safe parking
• The above system can prevent cars from taking any heavy damage
• The retractable barricade enables to utilize entire road to minimize traffic jams

At this point, we’re ready to put the prototype we’ve created to the test. By testing, we mean, getting feedback on it.

The following was the feedback that I received:

“What happens if the car is parked on top of the barricade, erecting the barricade would result in a disaster, causing the car to topple over.” — I hadn’t thought about this situation at all. It was a very valid observation. “What if someone riding a bike or scooter were to hit the barricade, wouldn’t that cause major accidents?” —I felt that careless riders in general may cause an accident by colliding with any solid object on the road. However, the colour could be bright and reflectors added to make the poles stand out more. “Why would say the local administration install this in their localities, it would be an unnecessary expense” — The administration could monetise this system by charging the users hourly for secure parking. “What would happen if the road were to get replaced tomorrow?” — Once the roads were to be restored, these systems would have to be dug up and each pole then be re-buried. However, it was agreed that this would be inconvenient. “Wouldn’t opening the doors onto the pole scratch the doors again?” — This was another valid problem identified by one of the users. One alternative would be to treat the polls with a rubber coating to prevent scratches on the doors.

Despite all of the constructive feedback I got, users seemed to like the solution and could envision it being adopted.

Revised prototype

Following the feedback I received, I recognized some of the crucial elements that I wanted to include in my design.

• To help the user understand the area in which the car must be parked, markings need to be placed on the ground
• Adding sensors to the main system to prevent the barricade to go up if the car is not parked correctly
• Change the color of the poles and add reflectors to make the poles stand out more
• Divide the system into units, thus making it easier to remove and rebury

As in the previous prototype, the general layout remains the same, with the additional changes such as

• The poles are bright orange in color with added reflectors , making them stand out
• Distinct markers have been placed on the ground to show users where their car must be parked
• Treat the polls with a rubber coating to prevent scratches if the doors are opened into the pole
• Additional sensors are incorporated to prevent the barricades to go up if the car isn’t parked properly
• The individual poles are now grouped to form unit systems , which makes them easier to remove and rebury

Future Scope:

Designing is a never-ending process, there is always room for improvement. No solution is perfect.

The system may feature a mechanism that retracts the barricade automatically every time the user goes out. I’d look for ways to make these pole dividers safer. In the event that the system fails, it should be easier to replace the unit. Also adding flashing red lights on the top of the pole would make these dividers distinctly visible at night.

My learnings

One of the most important lessons I’ve taken away from this project is that I’m not the user , and I should do my best to keep my own prejudices aside while addressing problems. I genuinely enjoyed interviewing my users and learned that asking questions in a certain manner leads to a certain sort of response which can help you gain better insights. Finally, I learned that the solution does not have to fix all of the user’s problems. The solution must be simple, efficient, and it must be improved depending on user feedback.

Special thanks to my mentor, Anudeep Ayyagari for guiding me in this case study.

Thank you for reading! If you liked this article let me know in the comments! All feedback is heartily welcome and you can email me at [email protected]

Written by Kumar Aditya Pani

Aspiring product designer based out of Bangalore, India.

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