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IPMI Parking Matters: Parking the Friendly Skies: How Airports are Humanizing the Passenger Experience

Original Source:  "Parking the Friendly Skies: How Airports are Humanizing the Passenger Experience" by Michelle Wendler & Michael Pendergrass

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Whether it’s parking, renting a car, or finding a ride-share, air travel begins and ends with ground transportation. So how can parking design mitigate stress and create a smoother, more enjoyable experience?

Functional design such as reducing congestion to creating a streamlined car rental process or revamping parking layouts to accommodate for ride-sharing pick up and drop off can have a significant effect on the passenger experience by making it easier for travelers to get where they need to be. Technology that allows users to reserve parking spaces in advance facilitates faster entry and exit and takes the stress out of finding a space by pointing users directly there, not only make parking more sustainable by reducing emissions, but also creating a smoother, more efficient experience.

In addition to convenience, elements such as public art, pedestrian gateways, and scenic views provide a means for travelers to relax, take a deep breath, and get to know the places they’re visiting.

Want to learn more? At this year’s IPMI Conference & Expo, we will be part of an exciting panel featuring Bob Bolton, Director of Airport Design and Construction, San Diego International; and Bob Lockhart, Deputy Director of Operations, Mineta San Jose International. Discover how they have used customer-first airport parking to enhance and extend the passenger experience.

Michelle Wendler is a Principal and Michael Pendergrass is an Associate Principal with Watry Design, Inc. They will present on this topic at the 2019 IPMI Conference & Expo, June 9-12 in Anaheim, Calif. For more information and to register, click here.

About the Authors

Michelle Wendler has been creating parking solutions for the firm’s clients for over 30 years. She is responsible for the design of over 350 parking projects and leads parking studies and parking structure design for the firm. A member of the International Parking & Mobility Institute, Michelle has penned and spoken on a number of industry topics, such as Healthcare Parking as the First Line of Customer Service, Incorporating Photovoltaics into Parking Structures & Parking Structure Aesthetics.

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Michael Pendergrass, AIA, a licensed architect in 9 states, has over 15 years of experience in delivering parking solutions and over 20 in the industry. He has worked on a wide variety of parking projects. In addition to delivering projects to satisfied clients, Michael’s projects, such as the San Diego International Airport Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, have received recognition from the International Parking & Mobility Institute and other organizations. 

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