Four-storey car parking buildings form an integral part of the Al Falah shopping centre. The parking structures were designed separately from the shopping centre, which required close coordination between two design teams. The result is a unique complex dominating the whole commercial zone within the newly proposed urban neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi.
Two pairs of overground parking buildings are joined by large basement car park that serves the shopping and entertainment centre. Together they hold 3 260 parking spaces, including those reserved for handicapped, vehicles with low emissions and staff. Three floors, each with an area of about 24 000 m², form a separate area at the back of the shopping centre’s southerly facade. The parking area on roof is partly covered with a textile shielding system because of climate conditions.
Minimising points of conflict with the use of one-way routes, traffic is smoothly controlled on all levels. To emphasis pedestrian safety, entrance corridors are clearly defined and completely separated from traffic with many trees, fountains, and other shielding structures intended to make visitors feel comfortable. These designs have added to the overall contemporary feel of the car parks.
Within the parking buildings there are five supply bays serving the shopping centre, including three underground ones. The main intention behind this was to ensure continuity of supplies for the whole shopping centre whilst freeing up as much of building perimeter as possible for recreation and pedestrian movement, so creating a naturally lively urban centre.
