{"id":16024,"date":"2018-09-13T14:22:43","date_gmt":"2018-09-13T18:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creativesigndesigns.com\/?p=16024"},"modified":"2018-09-13T14:22:43","modified_gmt":"2018-09-13T18:22:43","slug":"architectural-elements-and-wayfinding-for-parking-garages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creativesigndesigns.com\/blog\/architectural-elements-and-wayfinding-for-parking-garages","title":{"rendered":"Architectural Elements & Wayfinding for Parking Garages"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 105 million commercial parking spaces in the U.S. And since those numbers show no signs of waning as cities and suburbs welcome new residents and businesses every day, the demand for parking facilities has increased accordingly.<\/p>\n


\nA functional necessity, parking garages have long been relegated to cold, dark utilitarian background structures with little \u2013 if any \u2013 consideration given to any design \u2013 until now.<\/p>\n

Parking Garage Aesthetics<\/h2>\n

Today, many cities are encouraging the enhancement or even requiring aesthetic designs for parking structures, moving away from the stand-alone, single-purpose structures of the past. This approach helps to ensure that the parking facility is more visually and functionally integrated with its surrounding community.<\/p>\n

In fact, Florida building code states that parking structures can\u2019t look like parking structures so with features and benefits such as vibrant weaves, distinctive designs, durability, and ease of maintenance,\u00a0architectural elements<\/a> satisfy both the need for code compliance and the desire to add design elements ideal for many parking facilities.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1716\"Architectural Elements & Parking Garages<\/h2>\n

Both decorative and functional, parking structure architectural elements blend aesthetic appeal with the safety and security codes essential to the successful operation of a parking structure, including elemental advantages, safety and security benefits, and environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n

Elemental Advantages<\/h3>\n

Air Quality.<\/strong> Unsurprisingly, enclosed parking facilities present several indoor air quality problems, such as high levels of carbon monoxide, oil, gasoline fumes, and other contaminants, such as oxides of nitrogen and smoke haze from diesel engines.<\/p>\n

Certain architectural elements, however, such as mesh, can act as a light and durable ventilation system, reducing the need for costly HVAC systems. Further, its transparency allows an abundance of natural light and airflow.<\/p>\n

Weather Barrier.<\/strong> Architectural elements also act as weather barriers, minimizing the recurring cost of snow and debris removal. Additionally, they provide shade and comfortable temperatures inside the parking facility.<\/p>\n

Safety and Security<\/h3>\n

Prevent Personal Injury<\/strong>. Structural openings are possible with the use of architectural mesh which is a strong, rigid, and durable architectural element that serves to eliminate fall risks. Additionally, certain architectural elements can add extra protection when used as railings in other areas of the garage.<\/p>\n

Fire Safety.<\/strong> Architectural design mesh can not only improve natural ventilation in the garage but can also serve to reduce the cost of a fire protection system.<\/p>\n

Sustainability\"parking-garage\"<\/h3>\n

Recycled Content.<\/strong> Beyond its aesthetic appeal, popularity and functionality, stainless steel, with an average recycled content of at least 60 percent, is 100 percent recyclable at the end of its use.<\/p>\n

Minimal Environmental Impact.<\/strong> Stainless steel mesh fa\u00e7ades are exceptionally durable and boast little \u2013 if any \u2013 costs for maintenance. Further, because it requires no water, chemicals, or energy to maintain, it greatly reduces any environmental impact.<\/p>\n

Parking Garage Wayfinding<\/h2>\n

Anyone who\u2019s navigated a parking garage \u2013 and found themselves lost \u2013 knows that parking facilities can be large, complicated, and unnecessarily confusing. A well-designed graphics and signage system, however, can effectively communicate critical wayfinding information to patrons, reducing confusion and improving safety.<\/p>\n

Some parking structure wayfinding solutions include:<\/p>\n