Original Source: "Greener Parking: Parking Energy Costs Reduced at Camino Medical Group" by Matt Davis, for Parking Magazine
Lighting is a critical factor in creating a secure parking experience. How do you create an inviting patient experience in a subterranean parking structure while simultaneously reducing energy consumption? Lightwells.
What are Lightwells?
Achieving natural light and air in structured parking often requires provisions such as lightwells. Lightwells are provided within the volume of a large building to allow natural light and air to reach what would otherwise be an artificially lit and ventilated area.
Reduce Energy Demand, Decrease Costs
Watry Design's utilization of lightwells in the Camino Medical Group's parking structure reduced energy demands, resulting in decreased costs. The lightwells were achieved in the below-grade parking garage by surrounding the structure with permanent shoring walls that are held off the parking structure face four to six feet.
For the Camino Medical Group parking structure, Watry Design utilized landscaped lightwells as well as extra high ceilings and brighter than average lighting to create a welcoming, safe and green environment.
Location: Mountain View, Calif.
Date opened: 2007
Cost: $19,033,684
Number of Spaces: 380 stalls on 2 levels
Contractor: DPR Construction, Inc.
Design Architect: Hawley Peterson & Snyder
