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SUMMARY:Ramp Revolution: Stefan Rettich\, Simon Henley\, Anne-Catherine Sc
 hröter / EAST
DTSTART:20240318T140000
DTEND:20240318T180000
DTSTAMP:20260501T060055Z
UID:9a7ddc2a4809720b6795ab4558392123d2e08bb6a95a181603839c09
CATEGORIES:Conferences - Seminars
DESCRIPTION:Stefan Rettich (University Kassel)\, on: Urban Obsolescence - 
 Automotive Infrastructure\nSimon Henley (Henley Halebrown\, London)\, on: 
 The Architecture of Parking\nAnne-Catherine Schröter (FHNW\, Basel)\, on:
  The Evolution of Parking Garages in Switzerland        \nRamp Revolut
 ion\nTackle the Type: Parking Garage\n \n\nWHY WE LOOKING AT THIS TYPE?\n
 \nParking structures\, often viewed as mere utilitarian constructs within 
 the urban landscape\, have morphed into architectural phenomena that provo
 ke a wide array of interpretations. For many\, these buildings symbolize t
 he structure of potential edifices\, as noted by architect Paul Rudolph\, 
 who once remarked\, "most parking garages are simply skeletal frames that 
 never received their walls. They are essentially office buildings without 
 the glass." This viewpoint highlights their raw\, unfinished allure\, acce
 ntuating their versatility and open nature. \n\nThe evolution of parking 
 structures represents a complex balance between architectural creativity a
 nd societal demands. Initially designed to accommodate the rise in individ
 ual vehicle traffic in urban centers\, their form and function have evolve
 d multiple times. With urban expansion and the surge in property values\, 
 these constructions have developed not only in height and depth but also i
 n functionality. As cities grew into more complex systems\, the architectu
 ral and functional aspects of these facilities had to adapt to remain rele
 vant in the swiftly changing urban landscape. In examining parking structu
 res\, we can identify two distinct approaches as our cultural achievements
 . \n\nOne approach has been to dig downwards\, favouring the invisibility
  of the automobile demand and reclaiming the surface for human use. Howeve
 r\, these subterranean caverns dug into the earth appear inflexible for po
 tential repurposing. Excavated\, constructed entirely of concrete\, and se
 aled\, resemble both tomb and tombstone\, serving as a stark reminder of e
 nvironmental consequences. Contrarily\, the alternative approach has been 
 to build upwards\, stacking levels with efficient or sculptural ramps. The
 se buildings either carry faces of total anonymity or celebrate the automo
 bile with their temple-like splendour. \n\nIn reflecting on the history a
 nd architectural significance of these parking structures\, two features a
 re of paramount interest. \nFirstly\, their adaptability. Many modern cit
 ies are exploring the potential of these buildings beyond mere vehicle sto
 rage\, thereby reinforcing Edmund Burke's notion that garages are peculiar
  places open to "mental interpretation." Parking structures are being repu
 rposed into urban farms\, residential units\, and even cultural venues. Th
 is shift aligns with sustainable urban development goals aimed at reducing
  land consumption and promoting adaptable reuse. A quintessential example 
 is the transformation of a parking garage in Miami into a high-end retail 
 area\, where commerce and parking integrate seamlessly. \n\nThe second ob
 servation is the tight connection between parking structures and urban mob
 ility patterns. As cities grapple with pollution\, traffic jams\, and the 
 demand for a more communal and sustainable mode of transportation\, the fu
 ture of parking garages remains uncertain. Will they become obsolete in an
  era of autonomous vehicles and enhanced public transit? Will they further
  increase their efficiency and perfect their single-purpose approach or wi
 ll they transform into something entirely unforeseen? \n\nThe legacy of p
 arking garages is undeniably linked to our car-oriented urban society. Stu
 rdy concrete frames\, spiral ramps\, and the rhythmic patterns of parked c
 ars reflect a city's relationship with its vehicles. However\, as the evol
 ution of urban mobility accelerates\, architects and urban planners are in
 novatively rethinking the design and purpose of these structures. It's not
  just about where cars are parked but how these spaces can be re-integrate
 d into the urban fabric. \n\nWe must acknowledge that parking garages pri
 marily serve as infrastructural entities that have left their mark on the 
 urban fabric in various ways alongside the evolution of the automobile ove
 r the past decades. \n\nAmid increasing recognition of the importance of 
 sustainable transportation options\, urban redevelopment\, and the impleme
 ntation of alternative energy solutions\, numerous structures are currentl
 y experiencing a phase of transformation. This reality is characterized by
  vacancies\, partial deconstruction\, demolition\, and -on rare occasions-
  repurposing. \n\nOften rendered obsolete due to their low floor heights 
 and structural depths\, we should actively participate in determining thei
 r fate. What if\, instead of demolishing them\, we take ownership? Like sq
 uatters claiming their massive shelf-like construction for urban life? Wha
 t if we view their optimized compactness as an advantage? What if we see t
 he grid-like monotony as the order of a new creative system? \n
LOCATION:Archizoom Gallery https://plan.epfl.ch/?room==SG%201212
STATUS:CONFIRMED
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