Architecture is an art form, Architects are masterful at blending the function of a building with the aesthetic of a work of art. Buildings in any city reveal a wide range of architectural design, while parking garages are largely ignored. Regarded as utilitarian only, most garages are basic cement structures, devoid of any artistic or style elements. But designers around the world are changing that with creative and stunning garage designs.
Some designers strive to create structures that are beautiful and eco-friendly. The LEED-certified Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Garage is a sparkling wonder of environmentally friendly style. The structure’s modern glass façade is accented with bright punches of color thanks to photovoltaic panels and laminations, which give the building a glowing, energized appearance day and night.
Shining silver corkscrews run the height of the Greenway Self Park in Chicago; beyond adding a striking aesthetic element, these turbines harness the Chicago wind to power the structure’s utilities.
Other garage plans are intended to mask the structure’s purpose with clever design elements. The objective behind Car Park One of Oklahoma City was to create a functional garage that looks nothing like a garage; it is a success. A translucent mesh exterior conceals the vehicles parked inside and provides a luminous glow that appears to change color with the brightness and position of the sun.
The Veranda Car Park in Rotterdam blends steel, aluminum, and mirrored glass in a structure that looks more like a sculpture than a parking garage.
The personality of the city can be the inspiration for beautiful parking structures. Park your car in Detroit history at the Michigan Theater Parking Garage. Once a center of the city’s thriving downtown region, the theater’s intricately detailed ceilings soar high above rows of parking spaces.
The bold modern style of Miami is reflected in the 1111 Lincoln Road Garage, features parking levels at various heights between angular concrete beams.
The Autostadt CarTowers in Wolfsburg showcases the best of German engineering. These gleaming towers hold thousands of cars, which are lifted into the parking grid by robotic arms.
While these designs are beyond the need of any homeowner, it’s possible to enhance your home with a unique garage door. The natural beauty of a wooden garage door adds a rich, welcoming feel to your home, and can be stained to complement your color scheme. Solid surface doors are a great low-maintenance option and are available in a variety of colors. There are many garage door styles that can reflect the style of your home.
Choose a classic, traditional panel design, or create a focal point with a unique garage door style. A rustic, barn-like door design adds country charm to your garage; a Tudor-style garage door lends a stately elegance to your home. Attain the perfect balance of natural light and privacy with garage door windows; solid doors offer full privacy, while windows can be added in nearly any configuration. The right garage door can add value to and beautify your home. For more inspiration, visit ABI Garage Door and check out their huge selection.
