Long Island, New York, devotes more than 4,000 acres to parking lot asphalt and the Long Island Index ParkingPLUS design challenge hopes to change that. While still maintaining its original purpose, the competition hopes to inspire four architecture and design firms to better utilize what can easily be turned into a multifunctional space.
The submissions sent in for the Long Island Index ParkingPLUS design addresses the need to accommodate cars in the suburban area while revitalizing the downtown area as well. While Roger Sherman Architecture + Urban Design envisioned a part parking, part playground concept, Utile created a flexible floor plan that acted as parking during the week and a space for festivals and markets on the weekend.
Futuristic Parking Lot Competitions
Long Island Index ParkingPLUS Concepts are Multifunctional
Trend Themes
1. Multifunctional Parking Spaces - Designing parking lots to serve multiple purposes, such as playgrounds or event spaces, to maximize land usage.
2. Revitalizing Downtown Areas - Transforming parking lots into vibrant spaces that attract people to downtown areas for cultural events and markets.
3. Innovative Parking Lot Designs - Exploring creative architectural and design solutions to make parking lots more aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Opportunities for architects and designers to create innovative and sustainable parking lot concepts.
2. Urban Planning - A chance for urban planners to devise strategies for reimagining parking lots as versatile spaces that contribute to community development.
3. Event Management - Potential for event management companies to utilize parking lots as event venues, attracting more visitors and driving economic growth.