Week 9: Parking Structures

What are your opinions on parking structures? Do you consider them a waste of space? Even if you do, they still however are a necessity due to the reliance on cars (for at least certain areas of the world).

Argumentatively, parking is just a waste of space. This argument is taken up by another article from USGBC+, "Smart Park" written by Mary Grauerholz. (Read HERE, p32)

picture cred

Based on the picture above: what is that luscious green park doing in the middle of the city? 

Answer: It's hiding a parking garage!

Actually though... it is. :D

This is a picture of the Post Office Square Parking Garage, located in Boston. It is a well-ventilated underground parking garage, and atop is a nice space for a park, where space other than for car storage can actually be utilized. Measures were taken when designing the underground parking facility in order to ensure the reduction of pollution inside the facility, as well as measures to ensure safety against high levels of carbon monoxide. 

The park featured above (as you can tell from the picture) has TREES! This helps reduce carbon dioxide in the air. The park itself also decreases stormwater runoff, and also helps increase property value of the nearby spaces. It's a well-rounded benefit to all!.  

In a more subjective manner, I feel like this park is a nice addition to the urban cityscape of its surroundings, just based off of the picture presented from above.

Here below (cred) was the original parking place

Renovations were done, and the final green park was opened in 1990. 

I feel like the renovations gave the city a breath of fresh air (no pun intended) and a nice space to use for leisure or even work.