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DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
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THE MULTITUDE OF TASKS ENCOUNTERED IN A PARKING GARAGE ENVIRONMENT REQUIRE FORETHOUGHT AND PLANNING WHEN DESIGNING A NEW LIGHTING SYSTEM.
[1]Adequate horizontal and vertical illumination is required for the safety and security of occupants within the structure. Direct and indirect illumination allows safe movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, including the ability to easily identify vehicles, parking spaces and direction of traffic flow.
[2]Glare from luminaires can distract pedestrians and drivers, ultimately compromising safety. Optical systems should minimize glare and improve visual comfort allowing drivers and pedestrians to safely navigate their paths.
[3]Quality and control of the installed lighting system as viewed from both the interior and exterior of the structure. Avoid light trespass to the surrounding properties.
[4]Parking structures tend to create a feeling of enclosure also known as the “cave effect”, caused by dark ceilings and walls. System designs that offer an uplight component help illuminate ceiling surfaces and create an open feeling of space while improving depth perception.
[5]When the power goes out, emergency “path of egress” is the highest concern. Exiting individuals in a safe and timely manner needs to be planned for accordingly.
[6]Garage lighting should be viewed as an investment in property, savings and safety. Fixture design, installation and maintenance all play an important role and should heavily influence buying decisions. Garage luminaries should offer flexibility in mounting, resist accumulation of insects, dirt and water, and offer options that impede bird nesting and vandalism.
[7]Luminaires must be flexible to account for varying needs of the garage and lighting design. Elements including size, ceiling heights, depth of structural beams and complexities of parking stalls and pathways needs to be considered.
