7 Design Principles of Highly Effective Garages
In the world of fleet and maintenance facility design, the garage is more than just a place to park; it’s a critical hub for operations, safety, and efficiency. A well-designed garage supports the people who use it every day, extends the life of equipment, and contributes to long-term organizational performance. We’ve spent decades studying what makes these spaces work at their best. Below, we share seven core design principles we apply to every high-performing garage we design, rooted in real-world experience and built for lasting impact.
1
Robustly defined facility program that…
- Align the facility needs with your objectives
- Identify the type maintenance program
- Identify the main operating functions of the garage
- Analyze fleet composition
- Integrate all department’s needs and identify issues
- Define facility needs of each function, building, and yard
2
Workflow Efficiency
A facility that supports operations of garages includes: logical sequence of activities, proper location of equipment, direct movement through building and yard, provide sufficient space for equipment and staff, allows for proper circulation, clearances, and heights.
3
Productivity + Safety
Increase work output and worker safety with equipment that leverages output, technology deployment, safe & healthy work environments, and ergonomic workstations.
4
Asset Control + Security
Maintain, track, preserve and distribute equipment and bulk assets onsite with defined areas for vendor loading and receiving assembly.
5
Supervisory + Communication
Support and enhance managerial communication, tracking, and information gathering with collaboration areas for supervisors, view lines from the offices to crew areas, and open views to vendors/public.
6
Performance + Sustainability
A building and yard that will last over 70 years and is environmentally sustainable includes durability and impact resistance and corrosion resistance.
7
Future Trends
Key garage building trends include technology and equipment, pandemics and social distancing, governmental and regilatory, and social and community.
High-performing garages don’t happen by accident; they’re the result of intentional planning, a deep understanding of operational needs, and a commitment to long-term value. Whether you’re building new or modernizing an existing facility, these principles provide a roadmap for more innovative, safer, and more sustainable garage design. At Barrientos Design & Consulting, we bring this mindset to every project we take on because the spaces that support our communities deserve nothing less.