On May 13, 2025, IPMI’s Planning, Design, and Construction Committee hosted a roundtable open to all IPMI members focused on parking-related design and construction trends, including commercial real estate market costs and technologies that affect how garages and PARCs systems are designed.
Moderators included:
John Nolan, PTMP, Advisor, Consultant, and Board Member, Harvard University
Jonathan Shisler, Director of Design, Associate, THA Consulting, Inc.
Here are the a few key takeaways from this roundtable:
- Frictionless Parking is Expanding, but Requires Clear Strategy. Many agencies are experimenting with or adopting gateless, frictionless parking using LPR and mobile payment systems. While effective in improving access and reducing costs, success depends on proactive signage, public education, enforcement planning, and infrastructure foresight—especially when converting formerly gated facilities.
- EV Charging Infrastructure Must Be Future-Proofed. Jurisdictions are mandating EV-ready spaces, prompting owners to consider long-term electric capacity, conduit placement, and room for electrical equipment. Safety concerns around EV fires—particularly in enclosed garages—require planning for ventilation, spacing, and coordination with fire departments.
- Automation and Robotic Parking Systems Offer Potential—but Face Hesitancy. Automated parking (e.g., robotic or stacker systems) can dramatically increase capacity and space efficiency. Yet concerns persist around cost, reliability, and user experience—especially during peak times. These systems are more viable in small, high-end residential or office applications than in high-volume event settings.
- Pilot Programs and Communication Are Key to Innovation Success. Roundtable participants repeatedly emphasized the value of small-scale pilots to test technologies like camera-based enforcement or smart loading zones. Coupled with sustained public outreach and stakeholder education, these pilots build trust and uncover real-world challenges before full deployment.
- Technology Must Align with Site-Specific Use Cases and Security Needs. Operators stressed the importance of tailoring solutions to a facility’s function. For example, commercial buildings with lobby access constraints may resist gateless systems due to perceived security risks. Collaboration with security staff and thoughtful integration of access control can ease concerns and broaden adoption.
Join us for our next FREE member roundtables: