The urban landscape could change significantly as cities and transportation systems evolve. Planners are envisioning what that would mean for parking and what decisions need to be made now.
In the fast-changing world of mobility, planners are thinking differently about parking, either doing away with it altogether or reconceptualizing the long-term uses of parking structures, writes John R. Quain.
Cities like Davis, California, are sparing taxpayers the burdensome cost of parking garages by deciding not to build them. Instead of providing more parking, the focus is on pricing street parking to more effectively manage supply and demand.
Another approach picking up steam is adaptive reuse, where structures are designed with the long-term goal of repurposing them down the road. Planning involves thinking ahead about ceiling heights, floor plans, and ways to incorporate plumbing and electrical systems into buildings to make future conversions easier and less costly.
"A Hudson Pacific Properties office complex going up on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, for example, will have a dedicated ride-share drop-off lobby and two floors of parking that can be converted into office space in the future," says Quain.
FULL STORY: Smart city planners are rethinking parking by getting rid of it
L.A. Reimagines Parking for New Uses
In famously car-centric Los Angeles, developers and city officials are changing the way they view parking space, opting instead to allocate the space to more effective uses.
What Happens If Parking Structures Become Obsolete?
An architect makes the case for future-proofing new parking garages so they can easily shift to other uses in a future with fewer cars.
East Lansing Parking Plan Aims for Walkability
East Lansing wants to ditch some of its surface parking to encourage economic activity and walkability.
Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.
Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.
Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.
Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.
San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance
After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.
Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet
The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.
City of Stonecrest
City of Grand Junction Police Department
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Culver City
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