One of the most unique architectural element
through architectural means, it does not fit into the
This chapter will focus its analysis on five different
associated with the typology of the parking
category of ramp, structured parking garages.
ramping configurations, or types. Starting from
structure is the ramp. Its use can be both functional
Therefore, it will not be addressed in this book.
the simplest in form, the two-way single helix is a
The ramp was first introduced in 1914, with a split
maximizes space by using the sloped surface
structure or facade. Perhaps no other building
level garage, where the length of the ramp is
both for driving and parking. Type B, the one-way
typology can make claim to such a unique,
shortened by half stepping the floors. (This ramp
double helix, takes a similar approach to type A,
identifying element.
type is shown below.) Parking garage ramps
while using two interconnected ramps to allow
finally gained full acceptance in 1922, and the
dedicated drive aisles for cars moving in different
As it has developed over the past several decades,
elevator was phased out of use, when Albert Kahn
directions. The split level ramp, type C, uses flat
the
various
created the continuous ramp for driving and
floor plates for parking and small ramps to connect
configurations, each searching for a different way
parking for the Fort Shelby Garage in Detroit. This
the different levels. Type D, the two-way center
to solve the same problem: moving cars. The
ramp type maximized the number of parking
ramp, also uses flat plates for parking with a
earliest ramps utilzed freight elevators, which
spaces,
and
central ramp connecting each level. Perhaps the
originated in warehouses, to transport cars
created a constant flow of traffic through the
most unqiue coniguration, the speedway ramp,
vertically,
because
garage. In 1935, the open-deck garage was
type E, uses spiral ramps attached to a flat plate
mechanized parking is now on the forefront of
invented and was widely accepted as the norm
system, to minimize the footprint needed for the
structured
once gasoline and engines were made to
ramping system.
parking
ramp
which parking.
has
is
taken
on
interesting
Mechanized
parking
is
extremely efficient spatially, but because it moves
eliminated
parking
attendents,
fundamentals
well developed, widely used system which
movement of vehicles as well as define a building’s
types
and aesthetic, acting to facilitate the vertical
INTROdUCTION
Parking Garage: Types
ar c G 6 9 1 t y p o l og y pat t e r n b o o k
withstand extreme drops in temperature.
SOURCES
PLANNING AND DESIGN
cars through mechanical intervention, rather than
Type C
Type D
Type E