Earlier this month, PCI-IW hosted about 70 architects, engineers, contractors, and other folks interested in the design and construction of parking structures for a half-day seminar. At first, this seems to be a rather dry topic  -- but in looking at the comments on our audience surveys it was not. I have to admit I was blown away by the possabilities that are out there today for designers who make the effort and have the budget to create a new take on this old type of structure.

That's right. I called it an old type of structure. One of the amazing things I learned from our program, (thanks to Professor Tom Brock from the Illinois Institute of Technology), is that the history of the parking structure goes back more than 100 years! The parking structure actually has a storied and illustrious past. It wasn't until later, when parking structures took on a more utilitarian and cost-effective look in the 1970s and 80s, that parking structures got a bad rap.

Today the worm is turning. Communities are emphasizing the appearance of the parking structure, and the building types is starting to take on multiple functions, incorporating retail, being tucked under housing and offices, or even having a green roof with a walking track attached. Designers and owners are demanding structures that are elegant, durable and affordable.

Which brings me to the second thing I learned at the program. That parking decks are not only about storing cars, but they are mostly about people -- and I was reminded that the parking deck is your client, customer, or attendees first and last impression of your business. I tend to be a visual person, so at first that makes me think of the look of a deck. But just as important is how does it function. Jim Graveel of Walker Parking spoke to our group on functional design of parking structures. He hit on issues of reflecting customer needs (as drivers and pedestrians), wayfinding (knowing where you are where you are going), security, and lighting. A good parking consultant can make sense of the complex issues that each of these topics brings.

Of course, all of these things, beauty, history, and functionality are possible with precast parking decks. If you want to know more about designing with precast, you can check out the PCI Recommended Practices (available on our website), or have PCI-IW in your office for an AIA-registered boxed lunch on designing precast parking structures.