How Will Self-Driving Cars Transform Our Garages?

As the horizon of self-driving cars looms closer, one intriguing question arises: what will people do with their garages?

Will garages fade away with the rise of autonomous vehicles?

With self-driving cars expected to become ubiquitous within the next few decades, the function of garages is likely to undergo significant changes. Innovators and urban planners are already beginning to consider the implications of these vehicles on parking infrastructure and residential design. Here, we explore how the transformation might unfold.

Why Garages Might Not Disappear Altogether

Many believe that the personal ownership of autonomous vehicles will persist. It's not just about car-owning enthusiasts, but also those who can afford to buy premium autonomous cars and those who prefer the convenience that comes with personal vehicles. The future could see a mix of both types: affordable autonomous vehicles and high-end self-driving cars.

Just as cars have evolved over the years, autonomous cars will continue to be developed with different price points, catering to a diverse market. In much the same way as televisions and smartphones have become ubiquitous yet come in numerous price ranges and accessories, autonomous vehicles could be accessed through different means. Whether it's through a subscription or outright purchase, people will continue to have access to personal vehicles.

Solutions to Meeting Delivery Needs

Delivery services will also be significantly impacted. With widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles, delivery procedures will become more efficient and cost-effective. For instance, grocery stores could optimize deliveries to individual homes, saving on real estate and transportation costs. Imagine a scenario where a delivery vehicle arrives at your garage, communicates with your home for automatic access, and safely unloads your groceries. The garage could thus serve as a smart hub for package delivery.

Other goods could be delivered in a similar manner. This could revolutionize the way we receive items, making deliveries more convenient and less intrusive on public spaces.

Adapting Garages for the Future

It's unlikely that the typical suburban garage will disappear anytime soon, at least not in the near future. Nevertheless, there are proposals and designs that envision how garages might adapt to fit a future where autonomous cars are the norm. Commercial parking structures are already being designed to be more flexible and adaptable to future needs.

In the commercial sector, we're seeing efforts to repurpose parking structures into other uses, such as office buildings or retail centers. This involves modifying the structure to support office space features, including flat floors, central stairs, and a facade that could be transformed into a conventional office building. Some designers and planners are suggesting that such repurposing could begin by as early as 2020 or 2025.

For individual homeowners, there are innovative ideas being considered. Garages could be finished to better accommodate modern living. Wiring for charging plug-in vehicles can be integrated, and space conversions for additional living areas may become more common.

Urban Planning and Local Developments

Local communities and suburban areas will also see changes. As smart cars become common, the size of parking spaces could decrease. Current parking structures that are optimized for traditional vehicles (which require significant turning spaces) may adapt to the smaller dimensions required by self-driving cars. Space can be conserved, and fewer parking spots will be needed, allowing more efficient use of available space.

However, more urban settings may be quicker to adapt. As the need for parking structures diminishes, these buildings can be repurposed into other structures such as retail centers or office spaces. In Los Angeles, The Grove—a major shopping center—has already begun preparing for the shift. They are exploring designs that can easily transition from a parking structure to a more commercial or hospitality-oriented use.

Conclusion

While the specific changes may vary, it's clear that self-driving cars will bring about significant changes to how we think about and use our garages. It's an exciting time of transition and opportunity. Stay tuned as these transformations continue to unfold.