PARKHAUS

Heilbronn, Germany | Ongoing

A parking structure could be far more than the mono-functional infrastructure we have come to know whose only purpose is to store cars that are not being used. Parkades often occupy key parcels of land in highly desirably urban areas but yet face the street with an uninteresting and unattractive face, often wiping out urban activity for a whole block. A parkade could evolve into an intensified and intelligent hub that participates urbanistically and contributes far more than only car storage. 

The ParkHaus is a hybrid between a commercial parking garage and student housing.The parking spaces serve the HIP industrial park at the Neckar while the student dormitory is on the three upper floors.

The entrances for the students will be in the south / east and south / west through the green trellises to the arbor and form a prelude to the green courtyards. The two courtyards are through common areas connected. Each courtyard offers different places to linger and creates community for the students.

Student living levels above the parking garage are oriented around the two courtyards with access arcades. The design of the courtyards creates identity and offers different opportunities to connect with the surrounding context.

The student apartments will be made of prefabricated solid wood elements thus, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The inner courtyards are planned with vegetation to ensure a pleasant microclimate, even in summer.

CREDITS

Building Design: 

AIR studio (formerly ASIR studio)

Inge Roecker