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The Top 10 Coolest Car Parks in the world
Jun
Dull, grey, and unexciting … Blah! Car parks generally don’t have a very reputation for being cool, creative or having inspiring design. But we’ve scoured the globe to bring you the top 10 most creative and interesting car parks. And with this, we’ll change your perception of these usually overlooked spaces. From multi-level structures to artistic masterpieces, these top 10 parking lots are pretty impressive for boring parking stations!. Hop on in, start your engines and let’s begin the tour!
1. “Volkswagen Autostadt” Car Park in Wolfsburg, Germany 🇩🇪
Germany’s Wolfsburg is home to the Volkswagen Autostadt, a unique attraction that showcases the rich history, achievements, and innovation. This massive complex is a well known tourist attraction for anyone having an interest in technology, cars, or design. Designed by famous architects, the Autostadt building is an interesting combination of modern and classical designs. The “car park” consists of two 60-meter-tall glass towers known as the Car Towers. The two towers, which resemble massive vending machines, hold up to 800 brand-new cars You can watch as vehicles are automatically loaded and delivered to the specified parking space in what looks like a giant lego storage unit. [1]
GET A FREE INSTALLATION QUOTE2. “Parc des Celestins” Parking Lot, Lyon, France
Parc des Celestins beckons with its captivating charm and serene ambience. In 1996, this car park won the award issued by the European Parking Association for Europe’s most remarkable car park renovation project. The architects were Michel Targe and Jean-Michel Wilmotte and the artist Daniel Buren.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Place des Celestins is number of beautiful benches as viewing spots. This is because you’re surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the famous Celestins theatre. Excuse me …. did you say this was a parking station?
Really? …….. Where?
In the centre of the square, you’ll spot a curious structure that might leave you scratching your head.
Is it a work of art? A periscope? It’s actually a little bit of both. This beautiful structure is a testament of how architects properly incorporate classic and innovative design. The innovation in this car park is with the internal signage and design graphics that look like vectors on the walls at the most interesting angles and directions!
While traditional periscopes are used to see things above ground, this periscope glimpses something below. Peer through it, and you’ll catch a glimpse of flickering lights, movement, or something ethereal. It’s a fascinating mystery that begs to be solved. To uncover the secrets of this intriguing object, head down the steps into the – yes you guessed it – underground car park. Inside, find the door next to the attendant and say a friendly “Bonjour” before proceeding. This will lead you to an underground tunnel, where you’ll finally discover what lies beneath the periscope. A 489 car capacity car park. [1] [2] [3] [4]
3. Garagenatelier Car Park, Herdern, Switzerland
The Garagenatelier Car Park is nestled into the mountains of Hedern Switzerland. A sleek and contemporary underground space, fashioned into an exclusive car park.
This car park is more than just an area to park your car. It’s a remarkable piece of building design that seamlessly integrates both function and form, blending into the hillside. With only eight parking spaces available it is rather exclusive and unique. Reminiscent of a scene from a James Bond film, you immediately imagine elegant vintage cars featuring in each of the glass-enclosed windows! With glass panels overlooking the fields, the car park draws in the outdoor sunlight and view, making it aesthetically pleasing from both inside and out. [1] [2]
4. Quick Parking Morelli Cave Car Park, Naples, Italy
The Quick Parking Morelli Cave car park in Naples is well known as one of the coolest car parks in the world. Think Batman and the Batmobile! This unique car park is built inside an existing historic cave. The cave’s mouth serves as the entrance and exit. The design team focused on integrating the new building with the existing cave. It is a seven-level structure with three public parking levels and access from three different tunnels. What sets this car park apart is its fascinating location and the way it preserves the historical cave. It’s a perfect blend of history and functionality, making it a must-visit for car park enthusiasts and travellers alike. [1] [2]
5. Umihotaru Floating Car Park in Tokyo
An amazing engineering achievement that continues to pique the interest of both tourists and locals located in Tokyo Bay. Umihotaru is a unique floating parking constructed in 1997. As a component of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, a bridge and tunnel connects Kawasaki with the Chiba Prefecture. The parking lot has a capacity of up to 1,000 cars.
While Tokyo and the surrounding region have challenges with limited parking spaces. Umihotaru is different. It’s actually an internationally recognized tourist attraction on its own. But beyond that, Umihotaru symbolizes Japan’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The designers were able to reduce the structure’s adverse impact on the environment and save precious land. [1]
6. Lego Parking House in Denmark
The Lego Parking House in Denmark has officially been added to the list of the top 10 coolest car parks in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. This unique and innovative car park combines the fun and creativity of Lego with the practicality of a parking garage, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Located in Billund, Denmark (the birthplace of Lego), the Lego Parking House is a three-story, 20,000 square meter structure that can accommodate up to 2,500 cars. But it’s not just the size that makes this car park so special – it’s the design. [1]
7. Kansas City Library Parking Garage, Missouri, USA
This unique parking facility is not your ordinary garage—it’s a celebration of knowledge and architectural brilliance. As you enter, you’re greeted by an extraordinary sight. The garage’s exterior is adorned with giant book spines! And this creates a stunning experience that pays homage to literature. Each book spine represents a classic work, showcasing a diverse range of genres and authors. Inside, you’ll find well-lit and well-maintained floors, making parking a breeze. The car park’s central location puts you within easy reach of the vibrant downtown area, including popular attractions, restaurants, and cultural venues. Whether you’re visiting the library for literary adventure, or seeking a parking option, this garage combines functionality with artistic touch.
8. Cordova Parkade, Vancouver, Canada
The Cordova parkade was built as part of a larger plan to revitalize a run-down area of Vancouver. It was previously a department store. And it has been converted into a beautiful complex which skillfully incorporates design from vintage Vancouver bridges.
The parking lot in this garage is excellent. With 441 parking places spread across seven levels, there’s sufficient of space for drivers to store their cars. The car park has installed modern security provisions like security access controls and video cameras.
One of the Cordova Parkade’s most notable features is the car elevator. You can access the top levels of the car park by using a car lift, rather than the spiralling upward driveway. Besides making parking simpler, this also helps to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow.
9. Eureka Tower Car Park, Melbourne, Australia
The Eureka Tower Car Park is located in central Southbank, one of Melbourne’s busiest and liveliest neighbourhoods.
The tower is the tallest residential structure in the southern Hemisphere at 297 meters. It offers breathtaking views of the city and surroundings. The car park design offers drivers a seamless experience, with cutting-edge services and technology. The innovation in this car park is with the internal signage and design graphics that look like vectors on the walls at the most interesting angles and directions!
10. Hanging Gardens Parking Lot, Miami, USA
The “Hanging Gardens” parking lot transports you to a lush paradise. Imagine parking your car amidst a stunning vertical garden, surrounded by cascading greenery. This captivating structure combines parking convenience with a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty.
Planners thoughtfully constructed The “Vertical Garden” parking lot with sustainability and safety in mind. The overhanging greenery not only makes the car park more aesthetically pleasing, by softer green landscapes. But it also offsets carbon emissions from the cars parking there. In addition, the overhanging green garden serves as an additional natural barrier and buffer to ensure there are no “overhangs” of vehicles from the parking levels above. The parking lot’s green walls provide additional shade and sun protection, making it a comfortable place for drivers to park their cars.
And that’s a wrap!
With our fun guided tour, you can see that parking lots don’t have to be boring or ugly. The world is full of creative and interesting parking lot designs. And they are not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. From the Volkswagen Autostadt in Germany and the Periscope Parking lot in France, across to the Kansas City Library Parking Garage in Missouri and the Vertical Gardens in Miami. All these parking lots are proof that design and innovation exists in even the most mundane places. So the next time you park your car, take a moment to stop and look around. To appreciate the design and creativity that went into creating your parking spot possible. And remember, parking safety and parking bollards in each spot are key to ensuring a stress-free parking experience.
