InfraStructures - August 2012 - International Parking Institute Awards of Excellence Parking Design Competition

International Parking Institute Awards of Excellence
Parking Design Competition

The International Parking Institute (IPI) has recognized seven of the industry's most outstanding parking facilities and operations with its 2012 Awards of Excellence, citing innovation, efficiency, sustainability and user-friendliness as key factors in the selection.

Announced during the 2012 IPI Conference & Expo in Phoenix, Arizona, honorees in the 30th annual competition included a garage associated with a major sports franchise, an intermodal transit facility that encourages residents to use alternative modes of transportation, and a LEED Gold-certified airport parking facility which serves as a teaching model of sustainable building and management practices, among others.

“The 2012 winners exemplify the fact that our industry is no longer just about parking cars; it's about being part of transportation solutions, relieving traffic congestion, taking a leadership role in reducing our carbon footprint and so much more,” said IPI executive director Shawn Conrad, CAE. “We have a responsibility to encourage and support the use of alternative forms of transportation, from bicycles and light rail to electric vehicles, and each of our winners demonstrates that commitment. They all combine sustainability, aesthetics, and efficient technology and support the concept that 'getting from here to there' should be a good experience.”

Award categories included architectural achievement; best design of parking facilities with fewer than and more than 800 spaces; best rehabilitation/restoration; innovation in parking operation or programs; and sustainable parking/transportation program or operations. This year, two new categories were added: best design/implementation of a surface parking lot, and sustainable parking and transportation design excellence. Winners were selected by a panel of judges representing architects, parking corporations, and city, airport, and university officials.

The projects receiving top honors are as follows:

Best Design/Implementation of a Surface Parking Lot (New category for 2012)
573 Gerrard Street East with Zhong Hua Men Archway, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Toronto Parking Authority
Project Team:
• Louis K.C. Cheung Architect Inc., Architect
• Dale Cheung, Chief Designer, Chairman, Archway Organizing Committee
• City of Toronto, Economic Development & Culture
• Chinese Chamber of Commerce
• Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 30 Toronto Danforth
• The late Honourable Jack Layton, NDP Leader, MP Toronto Danforth
Toronto’s only traditional Chinese archway, the 43-space Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) surface parking facility (known as Carpark #146 when it opened in 1984), was redeveloped to include the Zhong Hua Men Archway. This gateway to Toronto’s East Chinatown was constructed to symbolize Chinese contributions to Canada, and includes a tribute to the 17,000 workers who built the transnational railway. Far from being a run-of-the-mill parking facility, it functions as a catalyst to raise cultural and economic awareness, and encourage the area’s development.

Award for Architectural Achievement
GEICO Garage, Orlando, Fl. (at Amway Center, home of Orlando Magic)

Best Design of a Parking Facility with Fewer than 800 Spaces
Intermodal Transit Facility, City of Hillsboro, Oregon.

Best Design of a Parking Facility with More than 800 Spaces
Duke University Research Drive Parking Garage, Durham, North Carolina.

Innovation in a Parking Operation or Program and Sustainable Parking/Transportation Program or Operation
University of Minnesota's Bike Center and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Program, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Best Parking Facility Rehabilitation or Restoration
Corcoran Parking Garage Restoration, Durham, North Carolina.

Sustainable Parking and Transportation (Design) (New category for 2012.)
Canopy Airport Parking, Denver, Colorado.

Source: International Parking Institute