What might parking space become in a world without cars? How much space do parked cars take up in Lancaster? What was this space used for in the past? How might it be used differently in the future?
Parking lots, multi-storeys, garages, driveways and underground: the infrastructure for ‘dormant vehicles’ on our Campus and in our City is extensive. Yet, it is anticipated that car ownership and use will change in the future because of changed patterns of shopping and working, increased walking and cycling, emerging technologies such as Electric and Automated Vehicles and a shift to mobility being consumed as a service (e.g. Uber, car share schemes). In these futures, car parks would become the archaeological remains of an automobile age, whilst new alternatives to parking might be needed – such as spaces for ‘waiting’, ‘electrical charging’ and ‘interchanging’.
Whether you are a Lancaster resident, visitor or student, you are invited to join us at our Lancaster Campus Park(ing space) on 1st and 2nd November 2017.
1st November 12.00-16.00
2nd November 9.00-12.00
- view an Exhibition of past uses of Lancaster car parks
- experience a converted parking space
- have free tea/coffee and cake
- play with Lego to imagine ‘what might parking space become in a world without cars?’.
How to find us:
‘Parking in Utopia’ is on Lancaster University Campus in the Car Park of Lancaster House Hotel.
By Bus: on arrival at the University Underpass climb the stairs into Alexandra Square and follow the red line marked on the map. The way will be marked with orange signs.
By foot: From Alexandra Square follow the red line marked on the map. The way will be marked with orange signs.
By car: Find a visitor parking space and buy a ticket (£2 for 2 hours).
Once you have parked, ‘Parking in Utopia’ can be accessed from the perimeter road.
