Parking Garage / Structure

Why this pattern exists

Where land value or density makes surface parking impractical, a structure trades footprint for height and circulation complexity, introducing its own set of design problems (ramp grade and turning radius, pedestrian egress from upper levels, ground-floor treatment facing the street) that a surface lot never has to solve. This pattern exists to document those structure-specific considerations separately from surface parking.

Key considerations

• Ground-floor frontage facing the street should avoid a blank wall; active uses or architectural treatment help the structure read as a building rather than a void
• Pedestrian egress routes (stairs, elevators) should be direct, well-lit, and clearly wayfinding-marked from every level²
• Ramp and turning geometry should be sized for the largest vehicle expected to use the facility, including service and emergency vehicles¹

Related patterns

Surface Parking Lot (FAC-SPL-04) (lower-density alternative); Park-and-Ride (FAC-PNR-06) (a specific use case that may take structured form)

References

1. Precedent-based ULI/National Parking Association, The Dimensions of Parking. Ramp grade, turning radius, and structural circulation design.
2. Legal / regulatory 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design / PROWAG. Accessible egress (stairs, elevators) from every level.