In an ever-evolving design and construction landscape, the compatibility of functionality and artistry is becoming increasingly achievable, particularly in the design of parking structures. Once regarded as purely practical spaces, parking garages are now being re-imagined through kinetic architecture. The recent completion of the Hawkeye Parking Ramp on the University of Iowa campus is an example of this movement (quite literally), featuring a dynamic kinetic façade that pushes the design envelope in both form and function.
Rethinking the Parking Garage
The Hawkeye Parking Ramp, located on the west campus of the University of Iowa, showcases this shift. Designed by Shive-Hattery and constructed by Conlon Construction, the structure includes nearly 1,000 parking spaces for university students, staff, and visitors. But it’s more than a place to park—it’s becoming a campus landmark.
What Is a Kinetic Façade?
A kinetic façade incorporates moving elements into the building’s exterior. These elements, referred to as “flappers” or panels, can be custom-manufactured in various materials. While aluminum is the most common, other options include translucent materials, stainless steel, and more.
The panel pieces are typically mounted onto a custom-engineered support panel. Each piece shifts in response to wind conditions. The result is a dynamic exterior finish that reacts to its environment while also engaging viewers with its ever-changing aesthetic.
The Hawkeye Parking Ramp: A Vision in Motion
Located on Lot 43 at 220 North Drive in Iowa City, the Hawkeye Parking Ramp delivers on both form and function. The facility adds 983 new parking spaces for faculty, staff, and students, enhancing transportation and accessibility across the west campus. However, more than just a parking solution, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate infrastructure into a work of architecture.
The custom-designed and fabricated kinetic façade spans 2,860 square feet and comprises 48 prefabricated panels, each approximately 5 feet 6 inches wide by 21’5” inches high. With 7,560 individual kinetic elements, the system creates a rippling visual experience that reacts to wind throughout the day. The flappers are made of .040” thick aluminum, finished in a custom silver metallic Kynar® coating for durability and style.
The kinetic panels are pin-mounted—a system that provides precise alignment while withstanding lateral loads, thermal expansion, and structural deflection. Additionally, the façade integrates a vandal-resistant welded wire mesh, powder-coated in black to blend in subtly with the structural framing. The result is a visually striking and highly functional façade that enhances the entire surrounding campus.
Why Kinetic Façades Matter for Parking Structures
Beyond their visual interest, kinetic façades offer tangible benefits including natural ventilation, glare reduction, flexible design, and materials longevity, and artistic potential, all of which are valuable in the context of parking structures…