What are some considerations when planning parking for educational institutions?*

Today in the United States nearly 80% of students living on and commuting to these campuses have a vehicle, creating a substantial demand for parking. Driven by the need to provide not only convenient and adequate parking, but also a high level of safety, parking planning on these campuses involves a number of challenges that must be met.

Safety is first and foremost the biggest concern on university campuses. In particular, as the demographics of student populations continue to shift to include higher percentages of female students, the need for increased security is vital. Active security measures such as CCTV technology, gates, and even guards are all great ways to enhance security within parking structures.

However, there are also a number of passive security approaches that can be utilized in the planning and design of parking structures, and which make the parking experience much more safe and convenient. Designing glass-backed elevators and stair towers on parking structures are key features which help to increase patrons’ feelings of safety and feelings of security. In addition, minimizing the placement of interior walls in parking structures, creating fewer opportunities for places to hide, and providing increased visibility throughout, is another design feature that will aid in providing students with the safety and security they need.

Safety and security can also be achieved simply through incorporating the parking structure into an active environment. When parking is located in a more secluded area of campus, where there are fewer people gathering or walking nearby, it creates an increased feeling of vulnerability. Building parking structures in the more active and populated sections of campus, or integrating them with uses such as retail or student housing, increases the level of activity surrounding the site, creating a more secure feeling for those using the structure, as well as reducing the opportunities for crime.

Integration of the parking structure with the existing campus is an important factor not only for issues of safety, but also so that they attractively blend with the desired atmosphere and environment of the university. Whether the campus has an urban, historic, or modern atmosphere, the parking structure should reflect those characteristics so that the desired look and feel of the campus remains.