That is a good question. I feel like I probably asked that during my site design class in college, but I don’t remember getting a clear/satisfactory answer. I think it might just come down to which design happens to work better on the particular site, or the preferences of the client (for example, it seems like Publix prefers their parking lots to have angled parking, while Kroger’s parking more often tends to be straight).
Just an observation: The “square/right-angle” parking spaces are harder to park in, but do make it easier to pull-out/exit in either direction. The angled spots are easier to enter/exit, but it’s harder to exit in one direction than the other.
This might be desirable in order to influence cars to enter/exit in one direction.
In the common US box store layout, the end of the parking lot nearest the store is often highest in pedestrians. I find it easier/faster/safer to avoid that end of the parking lot. So I try to enter/exit using the side of the parking lot opposite the store. Angled parking slots make this strategy harder.
Undoubtably there are more factors than this involved in parking-lot design.
Thanks for your response anyway!
I cynically feel like it may come down to the red-pen signatories who say “why 47 bays when we can squeeze in 50?! make it 50”
That is a good question. I feel like I probably asked that during my site design class in college, but I don’t remember getting a clear/satisfactory answer. I think it might just come down to which design happens to work better on the particular site, or the preferences of the client (for example, it seems like Publix prefers their parking lots to have angled parking, while Kroger’s parking more often tends to be straight).
Just an observation: The “square/right-angle” parking spaces are harder to park in, but do make it easier to pull-out/exit in either direction. The angled spots are easier to enter/exit, but it’s harder to exit in one direction than the other.
This might be desirable in order to influence cars to enter/exit in one direction.
In the common US box store layout, the end of the parking lot nearest the store is often highest in pedestrians. I find it easier/faster/safer to avoid that end of the parking lot. So I try to enter/exit using the side of the parking lot opposite the store. Angled parking slots make this strategy harder.
Undoubtably there are more factors than this involved in parking-lot design.
Source: Not a pro. Just a parking-space user.
Thanks for your response anyway!
I cynically feel like it may come down to the red-pen signatories who say “why 47 bays when we can squeeze in 50?! make it 50”