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Automated Garages Could Solve Parking Problems September 19, 2013 by zintro Leave a Comment German automated system designer, Paul Stolzer created an automated garage, which parks and returns cars in just a few minutes. The system optimizes the required space with pallets moving vertically and horizontally through a grid. The platform work as follows. As soon as someone parks on a pallet, the system uses lasers to make sure the car fits the platform, after which the driver makes a credit card payment. The car is subsequently placed underground, with the help of the pallet. The next time the driver swipes the credit card, the car is returned facing the street. We asked our Zintro experts how drivers would react to this new technology. Greg Krouse, an expert in architectural design, believes the vertical parking structure would be an effective solution to parking problems and time constraints, thereby leaving more time getting to desired destinations. “One can get a feeling of importance or prestige in handing over one’s keys to a parking attendant leaving this unappreciated task for someone else. It’s like having an employee working for you for just one brief moment of your day. My initial close up examination reveals two snags, which will ultimately make or break the viability of this newly proposed concept, while making way for the wonderful skill and creativity of the Architectural Designer,” he notes. “When we approach the structure, as the client wants to leave the vehicle behind, the vehicle is handed over from human control to the machine. As is usual for any transportation related event, interruption of velocity emerges. There is always someone else trying to do and go exactly where you are. In a normal parking garage where everyone parks his own vehicle, the system of order is normally sequential. Just drive forward until a free spot is found. That process is fairly fluid and uninterrupted, but always time consuming, eating up more and more distance away from your desired destination.” From Gakrou’s point of view as a designer, the major problem encountered with the new automated system could be solved with great design. “A good staging plan with multiple entrance heads time staggered, could be employed, thus further defining the ultimate shape of the structure. Snag two is found after the vehicle is stored away and the client is out and about. What happens if the client suddenly needs access to their vehicle? With their vehicle neatly stowed inside a steel cocoon, four flights up, do we simply employ the use of an agreement that forfeits the right to free access,” he adds. “I think it is a foregone conclusion, straight out, that a means of access must be supplied to the client. This is our second opportunity to add value to the structure and further define the criteria of design. Stair towers or elevators with some form of pathway to each vehicle must be introduced as a necessary component to this exciting new building proposal.” By Idil Kan
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