Designing a quality parking lot focuses on a few aspects, including security and accessibility.
Quality parking lots can make or break a commercial building, government facility, or any other place that has a high amount of vehicles accessing it daily. While redesigning an old parking lot or garage, or creating entirely new ones, keeping the end-user in mind is critical for success. Determining how your lot will be used, what it will be used for, and what kinds of amenities are important are all necessary for creating parking that just works. These are four elements that any kind of parking structure or lot must take into mind before the building process can actually begin.
1. Size and Space
Determining when your lot is going to be used and just how many people are going to use it, while balancing that against how much available space you have to build in, is a big priority. Some industries even have code requirements for parking, which are reflective of the square footage of a facility, whereas others are based on the number of employees or how many visitors typically require parking.
2. Flowing Design
Ideally, you want to stick to typical shapes—like rectangles—that incorporate two-lane designs. This allows for traffic to flow smoothly, though this certainly isn’t always feasible. Traffic signage is necessary to direct drivers and pedestrians alike and can even work as a security measure. Signs should be placed in such a way that works with the flow of traffic, not against it.
3. Proper Security Provisions
No matter what your parking facility is for, you’re going to need to think about security. This could be something as simple as a booth manned by a single guard or your typical CCTV system, but depending on what your facility is for, more adequate approaches may be necessary. These days, there are numerous vehicle inspection technologies out there, so if security is a high-priority, consider looking into the latest in under vehicle scanning technology or driver cameras.
4. Landscaping Elements
Landscaping should be used to create better aesthetics and even work as a protective barrier. Thick bushes or hedges can help keep out peering eyes and could even go a long way in keeping neighboring buildings from dealing with the glare that comes off of vehicles, particularly at night where your well-lit parking facility could end up bouncing off of the cars. Landscaping must be spaced out enough so that it doesn’t obstruct traffic as well.
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Gatekeeper Security’s suite of intelligent optical technologies provides security personnel with the tool to detect today’s threats. Our systems help those in the energy, transportation, commercial, and government sectors protect their people and their valuables by detecting threats in time to take action. From automatic under vehicle inspection systems, automatic license plate reader systems, to on the move automatic vehicle occupant identifier, we offer full 360-degree vehicle scanning to ensure any threat is found. Throughout 30 countries around the globe, Gatekeeper Security’s technology is trusted to help protect critical infrastructure. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates about our technology and company.