Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Green-Roof Garage
Another parking structure disguised with greenery is that of SAIT, the Southern Albert Institute of Technology. It’s nestled into a hillside, and covered in a perforated metal screen with a cloud-inspired design that provides natural ventilation. The garage is actually located beneath the college’s playing field.
Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Garage
The first LEED-certified parking garage in the United States is a colorful glass structure powered with solar panels and made using recycled and low-impact materials. Fourteen of the facility’s 900 parking spots are devoted to electric vehicles, with public electrical outlets, and the garage offers free bike storage.
Smart Car Vending Machine, Germany
This Smart Car tower may not be quite as impressive as the futuristic VW Tower, but it’s still pretty cool to see the little cars stacked in a glass enclosure at a Smart Car retailer in Germany.
1111 Lincoln Road, Miami
Despite being made almost entirely of concrete, Miami’s 1111 Lincoln Road parking garage by Herzog de Meuron has a light and airy appearance. Its design was influenced by architect Jacques Herzog’s interpretation of Miami Beach: “all muscle without cloth.” The garage features some ceilings that are triple the typical parking height so it can accommodate special events like parties, photo shoots, fashion shows and concerts, against the backdrop of the Art Deco district of downtown Miami.
18 Kowloon East, Hong Kong
At the base of a massive Hong Kong tower is a car park with extensive plantings that disguise the harsh concrete contours of the garage, and help improve the air quality inside.
