The Importance of Basement Car Parking Design for Seamless Building Layout
When it comes to designing a building, one of the critical aspects to consider early on is the car parking design, particularly for buildings requiring basement parking. The flow of users, whether accessing their vehicles or entering the building, must be carefully planned to ensure a seamless experience. This article will explore why it is essential to start designing the basement car parking first and how this approach can lead to a more efficient and user-friendly building layout.
Understanding the Baseline: Basement Parking Design
A common misconception is that architects should start with the upper floor designs first and then move to the basement. However, this approach can lead to significant complications, especially concerning parking and circulation patterns. The primary reason for this is the need to consider the user flow, which starts with entering the building by parking one's vehicle. Therefore, the logical sequence in design should be to start with the parking area and then move upwards to ensure that the user's journey is as efficient and user-friendly as possible.
The Nitty-Gritty: Calculations and Grid Planning
For a building project, understanding the approximate number of parking spaces needed is crucial. This can be determined based on the End User Criteria (ECS) and the number of apartments or flats provided. In my personal experience during my 5th semester studio exercise, I initially focused on designing the upper floors without considering the parking requirements. By the time I addressed the basement parking, I faced significant challenges. My grid was messily structured, and the available space for parking was noticeably smaller than anticipated. This experience underscored the importance of prioritizing parking space design first.
It is essential to begin with a calculation of the number of parking spaces required. This can be done using the ECS and the number of flats. In early design stages, it is beneficial to lay out cars in the unit grid to get a vague idea of how to fit a certain number of vehicles into a grid unit. This process also reveals the car circulation pattern, allowing for more informed grid planning and less revision later in the design process. This approach ensures that the parking spaces are efficiently utilized, and the overall user flow is optimized.
Conclusions and Final Thoughts
Incorporating basement car parking design first into the overall building plan not only enhances the functionality of the building but also ensures a more streamlined user experience. By starting with the parking design and gradually moving upwards, architects can create a more cohesive and well-planned building layout. It is crucial to think about the entire process parallelly, but with a focus on the upper floors first. This structured approach will ultimately lead to a more efficient and user-friendly space.
Additionally, understanding zoning requirements and FSI (Floor Space Index) calculations is vital in fitting the parking area in compliance with local regulations. This helps in ensuring that the building design adheres to all necessary norms and standards, resulting in a more compliant and sustainable project.