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Architects: Studio di Architettura
- Area: 633000 ft²
- Year: 2013
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Architect of Record: Gensler
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Design Consultants: Gottschalk+Ash International, Sascha Lötscher
Text description provided by the architects. The Parking Garage is one element of a general masterplan that aims at controlling the growth of a large Campus of a pharmaceutical company in East Hanover, New Jersey, transforming it into an innovative complex fostering communication and creativity. It can accommodate approximately 1750 cars on six floor above ground ( plus the roof tier) and three underground. Moreover, a fitness center occupying part of the ground floor and the mezzanine creates a lively interface with the main promenade of the Campus.
The structure is precast concrete, assembled in place. The elements are custom designed and realized in white concrete mixed with decomposed marble and partially bush hammered, thus enhancing their archaic quality. In orde to avoid mechanical ventilation of the garage, a pit was created for the underground floors; the floors above ground were left open. To avoid an unpleasant impact of the headlights on the neighbourhood, which is partially residential, the metal rails protecting the cars from falling off were provided with louvers shutting off the light; and to give the garage a friendly presence a bamboo screen was applied to the whole building. The poles were coated to make them fire-proof and distrubuted in such a way that the natural air circulation is sufficient and that at the same time they create a consistent visual screen. The warm colour and the natural material contribute to give the building a positive, non mechanical aura.
A figurative signage system with bright colours enhances the orientation in the simply conceived building.
The vertical distribution is provided by elevators, but also by a sculptural open stair that invite people to walk up and down. The fitness center is organized in a linear way and its interior is characterized by natural materials ( wood, terrazzo).
