Educational

Yale University

Pierson-Sage Parking Structure Restoration

New Haven, Connecticut

670 space 5-level cast-in-place concrete parking structure

 

Designed and constructed circa 1970 on the campus of Yale University, the Pierson-Sage Parking Structure consists of structural steel columns and beams with precast concrete joists and cast-in-place concrete slabs. The parking levels are stepped into the base of Science Hill along the west elevation. The circulation system is considered a two bay wide, one-way "double threaded helix". The façade is comprised of two-inch by four-inch vertical aluminum members that span the full height of the open structure. The façade members are connected to the structural frame at each floor.

 

The Pierson-Sage Parking Structure Renovation presented a unique opportunity (and challenge) to upgrade all aspects of a parking facility's character from PARCS to façade to lighting to stair towers. With classic restoration work, we looked for opportunities to preserve and protect the structural system to extend the service life to meet the demands of current and future development on Science Hill. Functional opportunities included improving parking geometrics, pedestrian and vehicle flow, safety and security, and accessibility. Operational/Architectural opportunities included a new façade, new external stair towers, interior aesthetics, signage, lighting, PARCS and numerous other improvements.

 

The new façade consists of uniform detachable panels of aluminum grillage or other low maintenance material with a regular horizontal pattern of openings sized to admit as much light as possible, but dense enough to screen vehicles. The panels are arranged in an orthogonal grid independent of the line of sloping ramps. Two new stair/elevator towers with extensive glass and a new vehicular entrance canopy animate the south facade and create readily discernable focal points for pedestrians and vehicles.

 

Constructing a new stair/elevator tower outside the footprint of the structure made the pedestrian entrance/exit more visible from the exterior, helped identify the structure, and, given its history, make the structure less foreboding to the user. Internally, the new location improved site lines for the users, particularly to and from the west end, thereby further enhancing passive security. The new stair/elevator tower also provides direct discharge to the exterior of the structure and reduces the pedestrian egress travel distance. The stair/elevator tower is constructed of structural steel framing wrapped with glass curtain wall to improve visibility and enhance passive security.

 

The project took approximately 16 months to complete with the garage remaining operational during construction.