You heard me right— automated parking! Until recently, I never even knew this even existed. However, according to the blog Curbed L.A these parking structures of the future are becoming more and more popular. To my surprise, there’s already one in Hollywood. I think this is a great idea. The company responsible for such a great invention is Sky Park. Aside from costing less to build than subterranean parking, there are many other benefits.One is a more efficient use of space. Since ramps don’t have to be built, cars can be parked close together. This system benefits the environment. This is because cars aren’t left running indoors where fumes can build up. Compared to traditional parking structures, automated parking is also much safer. When cars are parked they are inaccessible to would be thieves. As if that’s not great enough, this system reduces long-term costs since attendants and large amounts of concrete (which is becoming more and more expensive every year) wont be needed. Even simple things like lights, cleaning systems can all be eliminated. Sky Park is even expandable!
Wow, I had no idea we already had these parking structures here in L.A. The first time I saw these on television it just made sense - everything about them is more efficient and logical than huge, packed, concrete structures that fill up in popular areas and just waste time. The only thing I worry about is what happens during a power outage or when one of the lifts/machines breaks. In that respect, it does seem like it could potential become an inconvenience.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great invention! I had the same concerns as gotham when I read about it, but I still think it's a fantastic idea. According to gizmag (http://www.gizmag.com/go/6848/), Germany had automated parking in 1996 - I wonder why we didn't hear about it before. LA certainly could benefit from this invention. And another benefit? No more tipping! =)
ReplyDeleteI am curious it would be cost effective in LA. I have heard it is practical in New York where land and real estate are astronomical. But since LA has more land, it might not make the most sense. Plus, I think it would be extremely expensive to pay for the crane and machinery that provide these services.
ReplyDeleteActually this invention has been putting in service for the last decades in Taiwan. I don't think US will have this built in the near future. The constraint in parking space is still not serious compare to small places such as Hongkong, Taiwan and Singapore.
ReplyDeleteWow I think automated parking will actually come in handy in a lot of other places where space is small. Berkeley and San Francisco to me are prime example of those spaces; there's NEVER any parking on the road and space in general costs a lot of money. I agree with the other commenters who are expressing doubts about its usefulness in LA, but all in all, this is a very cool invention. The parking of the future will probably look like this, regardless. It looks extremely to expensive to maintain as well.
ReplyDeleteRecently auto makers are having hardship to meet the MPG requirements from the government policy.
ReplyDeleteThe government, however, somehow ignore the research and development cost of the automakers. If the government does not provide subsidy to the automakers, I believe that it is hard for the automakers to survive because of the huge change in production cost. Personally government should be one of the participant to encourage the use of fuel-efficient product (hybrid card), which is a new trend in the world, some of the consumers will build up their brand loyalty and thus regularly purchase hybrid car because they are satisfied and consent with the product. If the government does not start off assisting auto makers to invest new technology, they would be less willing to produce and consumers would keep using fuel-inefficient product. That would be bad for the whole country in terms of energy consumed.
I agree with you on this! you just figure out right point and aspects!
DeleteGatwick Parking