Parking structures can be a great boon to any campus. If done improperly, it can turn into a boondoggle. Looking beyond efficient land use, parking structures have also been the source of numerous problems. Avoiding such problems will require judicious planning and a concerted effort to fitting all pieces of this complex puzzle together in the right order.
There is one great truth that all campuses can agree upon: land is expensive. Anything that can provide more space in a smaller footprint will be greatly appreciated, particularly in expensive urban environments. Thus it follows that a world once dominated by vast parking lots will ultimately yield to the creation of above-ground or underground parking structures.
Parking structures can be a great boon to any campus. If done improperly, it can turn into a boondoggle. Looking beyond efficient land use, parking structures have also been the source of numerous problems. They can be hot spots for criminal acts that range from vehicle break-ins to sexual assaults. Hollywood echoed this perception with the release of their parking structure horror film, "P2". Avoiding such problems will require judicious planning and a concerted effort to fitting all pieces of this complex puzzle together in the right order.
The security plan should seek both the feeling and reality of safety and security. Legitimate users of a parking facility who do not feel safe will seek their services or employment opportunities elsewhere. Institutional bottom lines will drop accordingly.
Parking structures should deter crime by making criminals feel trapped, out of place and on display. Failure to stop criminal acts will result in injuries, lawsuits and other direct assaults on institutional health. This article will explore a variety of security options and design features that will lower the risk of crime in any multi-level parking facility. It's a win-win opportunity, where doing the right thing is also good for business.
It would be nice if every campus could start from scratch with the sufficient budget to create the ideal parking structure. Most institutions, however, will need to live with older designs. This article will divide its focus to explore ideal design elements for new structures along with the tools needed to upgrade existing ones.
Elevating the height of the first level is a new trend that improves lighting and visibility. This is a powerful opportunity to make a positive first impression.
Incorporate Visibility in Structure Design
Maximum visibility is the key to parking structure security. Planners should discourage any design feature that creates blind spots or potential hiding places. "Maximum internal visibility" must be the mantra of any team tasked with the design or improvement of parking facilities.
New Construction:
- Favor designs that maximize interior visibility
- Favor support columns over retaining walls
- Avoid architectural features that block the view of adjacent stalls, lanes or levels
- Eliminate blind spots and potential hiding places
- Favor open stairways over enclosed stairwells
- Opt for external glass walled elevators offering a view into the cab
- Avoid designs with blind alcoves and secluded or recessed areas
- Avoid designs with long blind hallways
- Avoid hiding places and secluded areas around the exterior
- Create opportunities for surveillance into and out of the structure
- Create legitimate activities inside the structure such as glass walled office spaces
- Favor high ceilings for better lighting and visibility, particularly on the first floor
- Limit surrounding landscaping to low growth plants no higher than two feet
- Select trees that will not block area surveillance or light distribution
- Clear visual obstructions along transit routes leading to and from the structure