Parking lots are vital installations for all commercial properties. The size and design for the parking lot depend on the total volume of customers who will visit the property each day. It must accommodate customers and provide a safe place to park their vehicle. Reviewing the art of parking lot design explained in 6 simple steps prepares property owners for this new challenge.
1. Why are You Building the Parking Lot
Defining the purpose of building the parking lot helps the developer create a better plan for the project’s execution. The project requirements define what size the parking lot must be and approximately how many cars it will accommodate on any given day. The design must take into account where transport vehicles can park during deliveries.
When planning out the project, it’s vital to consider the exact size of the parking lot and how thick the pavement will be. The type of establishment defines how the design flows. For example, the weight of the vehicles that travel and park in the lot define the thickness of the pavement.
It must support heavyweights if the establishment is a grocery or retail store that has several deliveries a week, and 18-wheelers are required for the deliveries. Thicker pavement is beneficial to the property owner and lowers the risk of parking lot damage because of the frequent deliveries. Property owners who want to review factors based on the purpose of the parking lot visit cochraneng.com for more information now.
2. Define How Much Room Is Needed Between Each Parking Space
The space and sizing for the parking lot must provide enough room for a variety of vehicles to park. The dimensions of the parking spaces offer enough room for the customers to park their vehicle, open the door, and have enough room to walk around the vehicle. When measuring the parking lot, the designer starts with the total number of spaces the property owner wants. Next, they define the dimensions of each parking space. If the dimensions don’t provide enough room for the preferred amount of spaces, the property owner might have to lower their expectations or purchase a new lot of land for their parking lot.
Reviewing the dimensions of the pathways between each section of parking spaces helps the developer define how much space customers need to travel between the sections. Accessibility is vital for the parking lot and each space. If the spaces are set up at an angle, it is vital to direct the traffic according to these angles and the best way to access them. Defining how to manage extra space around the parking lot helps the property owner mitigate risks and ensure that it’s used efficiently.
3. Create a Flowchart for Each Process
Creating a flowchart for each process helps the developer and the project manager set up a comprehensive plan for the parking lot design. The flowchart shows the sequence of each step in the project. This includes everything from spreading and compacting the asphalt to painting the markings for each parking space and directional indicators. It shows when the concrete parking barriers are added and the exact size required. The crew follows the flowchart and completes each step according to the layout for the parking lot.
Concrete barriers are used to define each space and prevent the drivers from driving through the spaces. The barriers are anchored into the asphalt to prevent them from moving during strong storms and causing automobile or property damage. The plans show the exact signs of the barriers and when the crew installs them. All elements of the project are presented in the flowchart for easier review. The developer might make alterations to the flowchart if the changes will improve the design or streamline the parking lot construction.
4. Defining Safety and Security for the Parking Lot
Defining safety and security for the parking lot the developer must address drainage and prevent water from flooding the parking lot and causing accidents. Proper drainage allows rainwater to flow off the asphalt and improve safety. Access ramps are necessary for large-scale parking decks and lower the risk of collisions. When designing more complex structures, the developer must present pathways that eliminate blind spots and reduce visibility. Lighting for the parking lot prevents customer-related injuries due to criminal offenders and keeps the parking lot well lit for the surveillance cameras to capture footage properly.
5. Identifying the Finishing Touches
Identifying the finishing touches helps the developer determine what extra features the property owner wants. Landscaping around the parking lot is a must and improves the aesthetics of the structure. Some property owners will want barrier gates to limit access to specific areas of the property. This is beneficial for owners who want to restrict access to customers in areas where workers park or enter restricted areas of the building. Emergency call stations are helpful for parking areas such as college campuses or corporate parking decks where a security risk could arise. All electronic elements of the parking lot are coded after their installation and maintained properly.
6. Asphalt Maintenance Planning
Creating a plan for maintaining the asphalt helps the property owner avoid liabilities that can lead to accidents and financial losses. Potholes destroy vehicles and increase the risk of a slip and fall accident. The plan includes yearly steps for the property owner and their selected contractor.
Parking lots are designed according to the needs of the property owner. The shape, size, and design are determined according to customer volumes, the dimensions of the property, and the owner’s budget. The developer discusses the entire process with the property owner and creates a plan for the project. Each element of the parking lot is discussed and planned with careful attention to detail. A parking lot must provide adequate space for all vehicles, safety for customers who are visiting, and security for everyone. Reviewing vital elements of parking lot design helps the property owner make sound choices for their design and get the most out of their investment.
