By Eric Luttmann

I never imagined that my career as an architect would lead me to parking. If you had asked me when I was starting out if I planned to design parking structures, I probably would have laughed. But over the course of my career, I’ve worked on many parking projects, and I’ve come to appreciate not only the complexity and creativity required in designing them but also the vital role they play in shaping our urban environments.

Anything but simple

Many people think of parking garages as simple, utilitarian structures — just places to store cars. But as an architect, I see them as opportunities to create something innovative and impactful. Every project I work on allows for a degree of creativity, even when it may seem straightforward at first. Parking garages are not just boxes for vehicles; they are integral components of urban landscapes, influencing mobility, walkability, and overall city planning.

One of the most exciting aspects of designing parking structures is the opportunity to incorporate mixed-use elements and other public amenities. Unlike other building types that have more rigid design parameters, parking structures often have room for flexibility. We might integrate retail spaces, offices, residential units, mobility options, or even green spaces into a garage, turning it into a multi-modal hub rather than a single-use structure dedicated solely to cars. These projects require me to wear multiple hats, leveraging different architectural tactics to create something that serves the broader community.

In every parking project, constraints imposed by the client, site, or local regulations become opportunities for innovation. Instead of viewing these constraints as limitations, I see them as challenges that push me to think more creatively. Even when designing prototype garages, where standardization is key, ways to innovate abound, whether it’s through materials, aesthetics, or operational efficiency.

Key design aspects

One of the fundamental dichotomies in architectural design is the balance between the right and left brain — between art and science. A well-designed parking structure seamlessly integrates engineering and architecture. While the engineering side ensures functionality, efficiency, and safety, the architectural side brings aesthetics, user experience, and community integration into the equation. When these two aspects work in harmony, they result in a structure that is both practical and impressive.

My perspective on parking has evolved significantly throughout the years. I have come to understand their importance in urban planning. As cities grow denser, vertical parking structures become essential to reducing urban sprawl. Instead of sprawling surface lots that destroy our natural resources or occupy valuable land, structured parking facilitates better land use, promoting walkability and mixed-use development. When designed thoughtfully, parking facilities can contribute to more vibrant, livable cities.

The intersection of parking and mobility is another area that fascinates me. Parking is not an isolated entity; it is deeply connected to how people move through cities. A well-designed garage should be multi-modal, supporting not just cars but also bicycles, scooters, public transit connectivity, and even future mobility solutions. As we invest in parking infrastructure, it’s crucial to maximize its utility and adaptability for the evolving needs of urban mobility and technology.

A ‘dynamic, influential field’

I’ve had the opportunity to work with various clients, from municipalities to private developers, each with unique needs and expectations. Public and private parking facilities function differently, whether they serve residents, employees, or visitors. Looking at each project through the lens of its specific context enables me to uncover unique opportunities and design solutions tailored to each scenario. The challenge of solving different problems for each client is one of the reasons I love what I do.

One of the rewarding aspects of this work is seeing how lessons learned from one project can be applied to the next. Every parking project adds to my growing toolkit of knowledge, enabling me to refine and improve design strategies. Parking design is an evolving field, shaped by technological advancements, safety considerations, and sustainability goals. Architects play a critical role in responding to these changes and integrating new solutions into parking infrastructure.

For example, safety has become a significant focus in parking design. Whether it’s improving visibility, enhancing lighting, or integrating surveillance technologies, the design community has been proactive in addressing safety concerns. By thinking outside the box, we can develop solutions that not only meet current standards or adapt in real time for changing demands but also anticipate future needs.

Technological advancements are also transforming the way we design and manage parking structures. Clients are increasingly looking for cost-effective, efficient solutions, and emerging technologies like mechanical parking systems offer opportunities to optimize space. As an architect and project manager, I make it a priority to stay ahead of these trends, understanding how innovations in technology, materials, and engineered systems can be incorporated into our designs.

When I began my professional journey as an architect, parking wasn’t even on my radar. But I’ve since realized that transportation architecture is a dynamic, influential field. What excites me most is how these projects touch people’s daily lives — from commuters to city dwellers to travelers.

Future frontiers

Looking toward the future, I’m already working on groundbreaking projects that integrate emerging technologies into urban settings and parking infrastructure. One of the most exciting is the design of a command center for storing and charging autonomous vehicles — an urban mobility project that will be among the first of its kind. I’m also working on the design of a transportation management center that will serve as a model for future transportation networks, incorporating smart city technologies and traffic management systems powered by artificial intelligence.

The next frontier of transportation and parking design isn’t just about cars; it’s about autonomy, micromobility, and even air travel. We are already exploring the use of parking structures as vertical lift-off platforms for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The integration of autonomous vehicles, eVTOL vehicles, and other new mobility solutions will redefine the role of parking facilities in our cities.

Smart city technology is another area where parking design is evolving rapidly. We are incorporating inductive charging for electric and autonomous vehicles, integrating 5G and WiFi networks into urban infrastructure, and even using smart devices such as trash receptacles that transmit WiFi signals. These advancements are reshaping the way we envision comprehensive urban spaces and mobility.

Ultimately, parking, transportation, and mobility are not separate systems: They are interconnected components of a single ecosystem. Instead of viewing parking as an isolated necessity, we need to approach it as an integral part of urban planning and connectivity. A well-designed parking facility is not just a place to store cars; it is a key piece of the larger puzzle that shapes how people interact with their cities.

As architects, we have a responsibility to think beyond the structure itself and consider how it fits into the broader context. A parking garage should never be a standalone entity: It should enhance its surroundings, promote accessibility, and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable city or campus. Designing these spaces enables me to merge creativity with problem-solving, shaping the future of mobility one project at a time. I count myself lucky to be able to work in such an important, dynamic industry.

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