Open-Air Parking Management

Ecological, Smart ve Sustainable Cities

Outdoor parking lots are areas designated for parking vehicles, mostly at ground level and open-topped. They have a wide range of use, from city centers and large shopping malls to residential complexes and airports.

1. Characteristics and Location of Outdoor Parking Lots
-Definition: These are parking areas located immediately next to, in front of, or behind a building or facility, or designated as detached areas, which are not covered by any structure.
-Location:
On-Plot Outdoor Parking: Parking lots located in the gardens of apartments or residential complexes (under conditions permitted by the Regulation and generally using water-permeable materials so as not to disturb the green texture).
Commercial Outdoor Parking: Parking lots on large plots of land that are operated independently and provide paid services.
On-Street (Pocket) Parking: Parking pockets reserved on avenues and streets in a way that does not obstruct the flow of traffic.

2. Design Standards for Outdoor Parking Lots
Regulations such as the Parking Regulation in Turkey set specific standards for all outdoor and indoor parking lots:
-Standard Parking Space Dimensions: For passenger cars, it is generally determined as at least 2.50 meters wide and 5.00 meters long. (Small differences may occur from municipality to municipality.)
-Disabled Parking Space Dimensions: Parking spaces reserved for disabled individuals are wider, generally having a standard of 3.50 meters wide and 5.00 meters long, and are located at points closest to the entrances and exits.
-Bicycle/Motorcycle Parking: A certain percentage of the total parking area (e.g., 1%) must be reserved for these types of vehicles.
-Floor Covering: In under-garden parking lots within the plot, water-permeable materials (grated concrete blocks, etc.) suitable for the green texture are generally requested to preserve the garden status.
-Marking: Parking spaces, directional arrows, disabled symbols, and pedestrian paths must be clearly marked with traffic marking materials.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages

Feature	Advantages	Disadvantages
Cost	Construction costs are lower (compared to indoor parking lots).	There may be security/surveillance costs for protecting the parking area.
Access	Entrances and exits are fast and easy; does not require complex ramps or elevators.	Can cause traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Weather Conditions	Natural ventilation and lighting are available.ınlatma mevcuttur.	Vehicles are unprotected against weather conditions (sun, hail, snow, rain).
Security	Visibility is high during daylight hours.	Can be more open to theft and vandalism.
Engineering	Does not require complex ventilation, fire extinguishing, and waterproofing systems.	Surrounding noise and exhaust emissions spread to the open area.
Environmental	Necessary infrastructure is simpler.	Increases environmental temperature in summer due to asphalt absorbing heat (heat island effect).