Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges and inefficiencies associated with mechanical parking systems in urban areas, particularly in China, highlighting the growing mismatch between vehicle sizes and parking space dimensions [12][11][33] - It emphasizes the increasing demand for innovative parking solutions, such as fully automated parking systems, to address the parking difficulties faced by urban drivers [20][21][25] Group 1: Mechanical Parking Systems - The current mechanical parking systems in China have a high vacancy rate, with approximately 42% overall and over 60% in non-residential projects, leading to significant economic losses estimated at over 8 billion yuan [12][14] - The design of these systems often does not accommodate the increasing size and weight of modern vehicles, resulting in operational inefficiencies and increased risk of damage during parking [18][11] - The historical popularity of mechanical parking systems has declined as vehicle dimensions have outgrown the original specifications, leading to a preference for traditional parking solutions [9][11][33] Group 2: Innovative Parking Solutions - New automated parking systems, such as the Shanghai Mingyuan eup smart parking facility, are being developed to provide efficient and space-saving solutions, with the ability to park vehicles in under 90 seconds [20][21][23] - These modern systems utilize vertical space and require significantly less ground area compared to traditional parking layouts, making them suitable for densely populated urban centers [23][25] - Despite the advantages, the economic viability of such projects remains a concern, as the return on investment may take decades without government subsidies or high occupancy rates [25][26]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges faced by multi-story parking garages in various cities, particularly issues related to underutilization, management problems, and safety concerns, despite their potential to alleviate parking difficulties in urban areas [1][2][3]. Group 1: Issues with Multi-Story Parking Garages - Many multi-story parking garages are built but remain unused or underutilized, leading to significant resource waste [2][5]. - Specific cases are mentioned, such as a parking garage in Gansu that has not officially opened despite being completed in April 2022, and another in Jiangxi that poses safety hazards due to poor construction [1][2]. - The construction of these garages often incurs high costs, with individual parking spaces ranging from 12,000 to 100,000 yuan, making their underutilization financially detrimental [2][3]. Group 2: Management and Operational Challenges - Post-construction management issues are prevalent, with some garages requiring annual subsidies for maintenance, which the managing companies cannot afford [2][5]. - There are instances where garages were built to meet regulatory requirements rather than actual demand, resulting in high vacancy rates [3][5]. - Some garages have been left incomplete due to regulatory violations, further exacerbating the parking shortage in surrounding areas [5][6]. Group 3: Design and Regulatory Concerns - Many garages are designed based on outdated standards, which do not accommodate the dimensions of modern vehicles, particularly electric cars, leading to usability issues [7][10]. - The design often prioritizes the number of parking spaces over functionality, resulting in spaces that are difficult to use and unsafe [7][10]. - There is a call for updated regulations and standards to improve the design and usability of mechanical parking facilities [10]. Group 4: Potential Solutions and Recommendations - Experts suggest conducting thorough assessments of idle parking garages to identify reasons for underutilization and explore repurposing options, such as converting them into community spaces [9][10]. - Successful examples of revitalizing old parking garages through modernization and increased capacity have been noted, indicating a path forward for similar projects [9][10]. - For garages that cannot be repurposed, recommendations include coordinated efforts for their safe demolition to avoid negative impacts on urban aesthetics and safety [10].