Parking Structures: Factors that influence design

Over the past decade, the increased density and higher FAR in urban projects have led to huge design challenges in accommodating parking requirements for projects. While expensive parking basements are unavoidable in certain cases, incorporation of parking structures into proposed projects has become a major part of the architectural design solutions and in many cases, the primary driver for determining project feasibility.

General Aspects that influence design of parking structures are:

Zoning Requirements (permitted uses, setbacks, easements, etc.)
Building Code Compliance
Subsurface Conditions and Foundations
Cost of construction
Project construction timeline & Handover schedule
Ground coverage potential
Shape of plot and vehicular circulation within project
Project type - luxury, mid-income, low income etc.
Ease of Access
Wayfinding and legibility
Aesthetics & project image
Impact of Mixed Uses (retail, residential and office and synergies between them)

Podium parking :

Average built up area efficiency: 350 sft per car
very commonly acceptable by occupants
creates a safe raised landscape level or e-deck (amenity level)
can affect project construction timeline significantly
naturally ventilated in most cases
can work for most shapes of plot and sizing
loss of project units and program area along podium
fire tender access is a major concern in taller podiums beyond two or three levels
may not work in projects where there is very tight constraint on project heights as the entire potential will need to prioritize program area

Lodha Primero Podium

Lodha Primero Podium

MLCP (Multi Level Car Parking) :

Average built up area efficiency: 300 sft per car
very common internationally, gain wide acceptance in India in recent years
allows buildings to meet ground plane and have better density of program
can improve overall project construction timeline significantly
naturally ventilated and natural light on periphery
roof top of MLCP can be used for solar panels and mechanical services
ground level can be utilized for retail or amenity program to soften the image of the building
fire tender access is on periphery of MLCP
cheaper and prefabricated construction techniques can be easily used
may not work for very small plots or plots with very odd shape
occupies ground coverage and may need additional setbacks from buildings
all weather walkway connections preferred in tropical locations

Lodha Palava MLCP

Lodha Palava MLCP

Generally, parking bays are oriented parallel to the longer dimension of the site. In MLCP's - A two-way double threaded design can be configured as two separate structures with no vehicular connection.

A double-threaded helix rises two levels with every 360 degrees of revolution, which allows for two intertwined "threads" and the opportunity to circulate to an available parking space without passing all parking spaces as inbound and outbound traffic can be separated. Because of this, double-threaded helixes are often recommended for larger facilities with seven or more levels.

Helical Ramp Diagrams

Helical Ramp Diagrams

Automated / Robotic Parking Systems / Parking Towers

Average built up area efficiency: 250 sft per car
From user acceptance – works only for commercial and high-end luxury projects
this is like an automated storage and retrieval system for cars and provides parking for cars on multiple levels stacked vertically to maximize the number of parking spaces while minimizing land usage and eliminating driveways
can improve overall project construction timeline and efficiency significantly
mechanically ventilated and completely controlled by computer and sensor controls
occupies smaller footprint and tighter heights
cheaper and prefabricated construction techniques can be easily used
high capital cost, high operation, and maintenance costs

Lodha Seamount - Car Park Entry

Lodha Seamount - Car Park Entry

Connect Jan 2022