Parking

Page 35

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


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