By focusing on functionality, safety and compatibility within the existing campus architecture, architectural firm Elliott + Associates Architects, Oklahoma City, designed a parking garage for Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corp. that looks like an office building at first glance. The 298,907-square-foot (27,768-m2) garage stores 791 cars on four levels.
To create a design where the cars were not visible from the outside, the architect opted to use 35,000 square feet (3,252 m2) of 316 stainless-steel design wire mesh material from W.S. Tyler, Mentor, Ohio. W.S. Tyler supplied 117 panels in the LARGO WEAVE 2022 design. Although the exterior skin had to be 20 percent open by code, the LARGO WEAVE 2022 design consists of slightly crimped flat wires that allow for 25 percent open area.
The exterior façade responds to the constantly changing light and color of the Oklahoma sky, visually reducing the massive scale of the garage and helping it dissolve into the landscape. The center open atrium with light sculpture brings natural light into the space, reinforcing the orientation within and providing enhanced air circulation.
To make the parking experience less confusing and to help visitors remember where they parked, each level has a different color assigned to it. The colored light illuminates the white painted structure, creating a fun and unique atmosphere. Security stations are located throughout the garage, with access obtained by using a key card at the entrance.
Car Park One at Chesapeake Energy Corp., Oklahoma City
Award: AIA Central States Region Citation Award
Client: Chesapeake Energy Corp., Oklahoma City
Architect: Elliott + Associates Architects, Oklahoma City
Parking consultant: Walker Parking Consultants, Houston
Contractor: Smith & Pickel Construction, Oklahoma City
Design wire mesh supplier: W.S. Tyler, Mentor, Ohio
