The multi-programmatic parking garage

A High End Miami Beach Parking Garage

This recently opened parking garage in Miami designed by Herzog & de Meuron, features a high end boutique, a roof top penthouse and 360 degree view event space....and parking of course. Nice thinking, but too bad it only caters to one portion of the city...

Parking Lot Power

What new forms of exchange can an electric car bring?

What are the possibilities that the automobiles themselves could become the power plants? While sitting in parking lots across American automobiles could become utilized resources. And with new electric cars with charged batteries, could a corporate office size parking lot actually run the building during the day? The cars could be charged through the night via home units and then while sitting in lots, charge the buildings while being plugged into on site solar collectors?

The potential of course depends on the different locations, businesses and schedules. How can mall shoppers participate? How can the local business use it as an incentive?

Image from : Los Angeles Community College District: a 1.2-megawatt solar farm spread over the 3-acre, 530-spot space in Monterey Park. With 5,952 photovoltaic panels tapping energy, the array is expected to last at least 40 years and provide up to 45% of the college’s electricity needs.