When you read the phrase “automated parking,” your mind probably isn’t teeming with thoughts of astonishing innovation and incredible facts. But that doesn’t mean that these mechanical solutions don’t have a wealth of fascinating tidbits to share with the world.
In fact, there’s a lot more intrigue to these parking solutions than you’d think. Explore this brief guide and uncover some riveting facts about its history and how it’s changed the parking systems we use today.
An Architect Conceived Automated Parking
It’s best to start this discussion of interesting facts about automated parking with where the idea for these parking solutions originated. Many seem to believe that automated parking is a relatively new concept. But the very first automated parking system was designed by an architect in the early 1900s.
Named “The Garage Rue de Ponthieu,” the first automated garage opened its doors in Paris, France, in 1905. Designed by the visionary architect Auguste Perret, this automated parking garage was the very first of its kind and laid the groundwork for the automated parking solutions we have today.
Early Automated Parking Solutions Were Modeled After Ferris Wheels
Many of the most intriguing facts about automated parking revolve around its beginnings. After Perret’s first design became a reality, engineers began making their own plans for how to further innovate on this type of parking technology.
More specifically, among the fascinating offshoots of automated parking was the “car Ferris wheel,” introduced to the market in the 1920s. This parking solution, referred to as “Paternoster,” had the look and feel of a Ferris wheel. It could park eight cars within a space that could typically fit only two.
Of course, it wasn’t the most practical technology at the time. But as automated parking has continued to evolve, the Ferris wheel parking solution helped lay the groundwork for the car stacking technology you see in modern car stacking systems.
Mechanized Garages Came to the US in the 1920s
Their initial conception is only scratching the surface when it comes to interesting facts about automated parking. What’s even more fascinating about these parking solutions is their history in the United States. As we know, Perret introduced these innovative parking structures to France in 1905.
From there, it became a prevalent choice for both the Asian and European markets. But surprisingly, the US didn’t introduce automated parking until the 1920s. Of course, America put its spin on the already impressive technology.
One of the earliest iterations of automated parking in the United States included a four-sided elevator combined with a sloped, mechanical floor. This feature enabled parked vehicles to glide from any of the four sides of the elevator into a parking spot.
In short, automated parking has a long history full of fascinating facts. In learning about these interesting tidbits, we can better understand why they’re such an excellent solution for today’s parking garages, multi-resident, and business structures.
And if you want to take part in the incredible story of this ever-evolving technology, remember that Harding Steel is just a phone call away. We’ll answer your questions and set you up with the automated parking system that’s right for you.