Open Spaces with Better Views

The project features upturned beam concrete beams with an architectural steel rail system to function as vehicle barriers and guardrails. The interior seismic system concrete shear walls were constructed with openings that create greater visibility and security. The exterior concrete shear walls have been designed to have landscaping vines cover the walls. These plantings will create a warmer nicer aesthetic feel to the structure.

Since it was necessary to construct the Old Mill 4 Parking Structure project in phases in order to provide ongoing parking for the Old Mill Corporate Center occupants for the two-year project duration, and on a tight site, planning the phasing intelligently was a key factor. In order to maximize openness (and minimize any “closed-in” impression), upturned concrete beams were used in the design, allowing more open sight lines, and bigger and better views, with no sacrifice to the structural integrity or to safety.

Another aesthetic detail that ensures the visual lines of the Old Mill 4 Parking Structure are clean as possible is the inclusion of sleeved concrete beams for routing utility, mechanical, and water lines discreetly out of site Wherever possible, openings in the attractive architectural concrete shear walls were placed to provide visual interest along with security. These openings help to provide visual connections and interest in the structure’s interior walls.