Creating from their cars: architects that transformed a parking garage

 In a growing populous with diminishing spaces, designers are learning to build with what they have. Busy cities and dense metros are seeking new methods of reuse in architecture. Previously existing structures can be refurbished to provide spaces with new functions, different than their previous inhabitant.  

In the developing downtown district of Fargo, architects from CraftWell were seeking a plot for a new firm. The centralized location would promote new connections and clients for the group. The limited options for spaces and constraints of affordability in the area pushed the firm to think outside of the box. An empty parking garage provided the unique and innovative answer they desired. From this abandoned skeleton they imagined a place where their team could collaborate and connect in a friendly and inviting firm. I had the immersive opportunity to experience this firm through a tour that was guided by one of the lead architects. The tour was organized through the NDSU U.S. Green Building Council as we connected with CraftWell to learn about sustainable design through a local lens. 

The original parking ramp and its bottom floor office left a space that follows its function. The original sculpture of the parking garage was built with a joining car repair shop on the ground floor level. This meant the floor plan of the new office space was designed according to the parameters of its function; a large, moving garage connected the car rental office to the outdoor supply of tires. The parking garage ramp also meant the floor-to-ceiling height was low and would leave little room for further ventilation and plumbing work. This and other obstacles to solve, the architects consciously built upon the preexisting structure to fit the place to their needs. 

After years of reworking designs, contracts, and proposals, Craftwell can proudly work in a studio formed by themselves. The previous car rental office now stands as an event center adjacent to the architecture firm. The open garage door provided an opportunity for this event venue to expand with an outdoor patio that is connected to the indoor space for increasing the capacity. The firm can also hold events related to their work and rent out the space as a showcase of their craft and impressive response to reuse.   

This example of reuse in architecture leads to show how designers can increasingly work to create new spaces from old spaces. I am inspired by this firm as I have toured a beautiful, professional firm that was more recently a dirty parking garage. They succeeded in transforming the space into a comfortable place of work without constructing a new building. This saves on building costs, costs of materials, cost of land, and other miscellaneous costs of work to erect new structures. Works of this type begin to show how the field of design, more specifically architecture, will be increasingly working with existing features and reworking what materials are given to them. Incoming designers, such as myself, must realize this and learn to create with things that are already there. This is becoming one of the essential pillars of quality modern design.

Further information on Craftwell's Firm by InForum: Local architects plan to revitalize oft-ignored corner of downtown Fargo - InForum | Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo news, weather and sports.

Tour of Craftwell Firm led by lead architect Chris Hawley and hosted through NDSU U.S. Green Building Council