In bustling urban environments, one of the most pressing issues is using space efficiently. Among the challenges to address is the need for parking. Fortunately, underground parking systems are making it easier to address parking challenges like these and find solutions to infrastructure issues. These systems help ensure safe and secure parking and to economize the consumption of space, a scarce resource in crowded cities. Keep reading to learn how much space adopting an underground parking system can save facilities and business owners.
Understanding the Conventional Parking Dimensions
Traditional parking options, which are typically open-air parking lots or multi-level parking buildings, consume a significant amount of space. The average parking space dimensions are 9 feet by 18 feet, or approximately 162 square feet. This does not include the additional space required for driveways, ramps, and pedestrian pathways. Hence, the overall footprint of a conventional parking facility can be substantial, especially in a densely populated urban setting.
How Underground Parking Systems Save Space
Underground parking systems, on the other hand, don’t require the same dimensions and land use. With subterranean car lifts, you can build in-ground parking facilities, which minimize the need for open-air parking lots and save urban land for other applications. Parking facilities can configure in-ground parking lifts to perform unattended self-parking maneuvers. Because there's no need for drivers to navigate within the parking facility, the space for ramps, driveways, and pedestrian paths is significantly reduced. Each parking spot can also be smaller since you don't have to leave space for drivers to open car doors. The vehicles are instead aligned and stored systematically, optimizing the use of available space.
How Much Space an Underground Parking Garage Saves
Now that you know the advantages of underground parking systems, you may be wondering about the specifics of how much space they can save you. While the exact savings can vary depending on the specifics of the project, underground parking systems can typically fit twice as many cars in the same space as a conventional parking lot. Parking systems like these stack cars one over the other, using the same amount of space it would take to park one car. This equates to a potential reduction in parking space use by up to 50 percent. This is ideal for multi-level residential properties and hotels that often experience overcrowding in traditional parking facilities.
The shift to parking lift systems represents a strategic approach to urban space management. By utilizing parking systems such as subterranean car lifts, we can expand parking options for businesses such as hotels, multi-resident rental properties, and other large-scale businesses throughout urban areas. With continuous advancements in technology, we can expect to see more efficient parking solutions in the future, further alleviating the challenge of space scarcity in our cities.
If you want to learn more about the design behind subterranean car lifts and other types of parking lift systems, browse our products at Harding Steel today. We provide car lifts for city planners and businesses looking for ways to create more efficient parking solutions.