Walker Consultants (parking consultant), Tampa, Fla. — The Durham Parking Structure, built in 1989, is a vital asset for patients and visitors of the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. After nearly three decades, corrosion and leaking were widespread, and severe deterio- ration of structural members jeopardized safety. The existing parking function also forced circulation patterns that created the perception of a full facility, yet more than 10 percent of the capacity was hidden from drivers and often left unused. The significant loss of parking precluded demolition, so separate improvement packages were developed to phase improvements, in- cluding major structural repair packages, waterproofing, striping, and wayfinding signage. The entire facility was painted to improve reflec- tivity and LED lighting was installed to enhance safety. Eight phases of closures during two years allowed work to go on 24 hours a day. As the parking function had no significant structural modifications, Nebraska Medicine realized tremendous safety and parking improvements at minimum capital cost. The result is a much-improved parking experi- ence for visitors that will serve the Omaha metro area for decades. Challenges were mitigated during the $1.8 million project. Walker Consultants designed a new function that implemented separate up- and-down-bound circulation routes. Fifty-two spaces were added by changing the angle of parking from 60 to 75 degrees. Revised circula- tion routes added 80 spaces, and 65 accessible spaces were added in protected, convenient parking areas serving patients and visitors. First Sunset in the Pacific, Núñez de Balboa 52 car park, Madrid, Spain; Clavel Arquitectos Asociados (architectural firm) — Renovat- ing this two-story garage in an affluent, city-center neighborhood in Madrid started with three goals: make the parking more attractive to potential clients, reduce maintenance costs, and minimize the effect of construction on operations. The key was smart design based on three main strategies: use light as a design element, unveil the existing building instead of covering it, and develop previously held workshop mock-ups to reduce construction time. The garage’s new design was inspired by Spanish explorer Vasco Nu- ñez de Balboa. The entry is a tunnel of repetitive white light arches over a black wall. Main level walls were stripped of their old tiles and restored to their original brick, while orange and blue lighting simulate a horizon line of sea and sun. Amirror in the main corridor generates an illusion of a complete sun with a simple, semicircular lamp. Large beams narrate the explorer’s discovery in narrative, and the ceiling displays portraits of de Balboa that become clearer as drivers park, letting them make their own discovery. Almost all design features started with cost-effective, low-maintenance LED lighting, which won a Lamp Lighting Award. PARCS technology was updated. Construc- tion was completed during summer, when demand is lowest. The popu- lar, financially successful garage nets revenues up 50 percent since the $360,000 renovation. Award for new sustainable parking and transportation facilities excellence Cal Poly Pomona Parking Structure 2, Pomona, Calif. — The new $41
million, 1,800-space Parking Structure 2 was designed and built in keeping with California State Polytechnic University in Pomona’s (Cal Poly Pomona) long history of promoting sustainable practices and en- vironmental awareness. The bronze-level Parksmart Certified structure features several sustainable factors, including solar panels on the top level, a naturally ventilated lower (below-ground) level, 24 EV charg- ing stations, bicycle storage rooms, dimmable LED lighting, drought- tolerant landscaping, and a state-of-the-art rainwater collection system. When considering factors to achieve Parksmart certification, university project managers ensured that labor and materials were sourced locally and that recycled content was maximized. The structure is designed to harmonize with its surroundings and reflect the university’s commit- ment to the environment. For many years, Cal Poly Pomona has been recognized by national institutions such as The Princeton Review for its efforts to incorpo- rate a sustainable focus on everything that happens on campus. Other buildings on campus that have earned LEED certification include the Bronco Recreation and Intramural Center, The Collins College, and the Sawgrass Mills Parking Garage, Sunrise, Fla.; TimHaahs (architect/ design, engineering/parking consultant), Miami — Sawgrass Mills is a luxury outlet shopping destination that serves tens of thousands of visitors annually. The relaxed, open-air promenade features more than 350 retail, dining, and entertainment venues, including 70 luxury stores. The Simon Property Group hired TimHaahs to develop a new $31 million, 1,723-space parking facility that would complement and enhance visitors’ experience in the shopping center. The garage’s large, multi-level valet parking operation features a fully furnished, ground-level waiting area that creates an inviting front-door experience for shoppers. Its lightly sandblasted, sandy-yellow exterior matches the center’s stucco color and texture; spandrels provide deep reveals that cast unique shadow lines mimicking the louver designs of the arcade walkway. The facility is one of the highest structures in the shopping center, with eye-catching, red clay tile-roofed towers that advertise retail opportunities and generate revenue. Three large, illuminated signs span multiple floors on three sides and offer addi- tional advertising. The garage’s black-and-orange color palette mirrors that of adjacent overflow lots. The parking guidance system’s dynamic signage directs patrons to aisles with open spaces; static signage points to the exits. Climate-controlled, glass stair and elevator towers give users a preview of the complex upon arrival and provide comfortable, passive security. Elevator lobbies that open to the interior and LED lighting ensure full visibility across the garage to the vertical circula- tion. College of Business Administration complex. Award for architectural achievement
Information provided by the International Parking Institute (www.parking.org).
54
csengineermag.com
august 2018
Made with FlippingBook Annual report