Parking Retrofits

Remove parking from buildings: Since parking needs are likely to change in response to emerging technologies, separating parking from buildings is another way of extending the longevity of existing structures. Locating parking separately instead of placing it underground or structuring it within the building can help to avoid the limitations of having an integrated space that hinders the overall potential utility of the building long term. 

Design parking for recyclability: The cost to adapt existing parking structures is often too high for developers to justify. Assuming that parking demand will decrease, designing parking structures with disassembly and recyclability in mind will reduce carbon impact and waste.

Utilizing mechanical parking structures: Vehicle stacking is a more efficient space option and can open up space for other uses. Some parking will likely be retained in the future, even as demand decreases, so using stackable vehicle lifts is one option for minimizing its impacts.

Return on investment is key for adaptation: Adaptation usually only makes sense in situations where there is anticipation of future expansion over a long period, in order for it to pay off. This is usually the case with institutions like hospitals and universities that will grow over time and have an incentive to landbank.

AV Parking structures: AV fleets will need areas to park and charge their vehicles. Existing parking structures could easily be adapted to AV fleet storage. The number of vehicles able to be parked could increase with adaptable parking structures for autonomous vehicles.

Consider limiting features: Limiting features, such as low floor-to-floor heights and internal ramps should be addressed. Current parking structures may have a variety of features that prevent them from being easily repurposed into other uses beyond parking. Some of the most common obstructions are more evident with the introduction of the AV, without the need for walking spaces, egress stairs, and drives, and the ability for the vehicles to park more compactly and in deeper rows.

COVID-19 response and tactical urbanism: During the COVID-19 pandemic, cities across the globe adopted tactical urbanism approaches to transform the public realm into spaces for restaurant diners and retail extensions. These rapid changes have proved that the right-of-way, on-street parking, and off-street parking can be retrofitted to highlight public space.