Who knew a parking building could be artistic?

Parking buildings are ugly. There really is no other way to describe them.

Unfortunately, in our car-based cities, they serve a vital role. It would be nice if they could all be underground, but this is probably not financially realistic.

So, why not turn these eyesores into assets?

That's what the Adelaide City Council have done. Its called the Rundle Lantern.

Take a look at the picture below:

Rundle Lantern, Adelaide

Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2009)

Believe it, or not, this is a parking building. It is situated on one of Adelaide city's most prominent corners. The Adelaide City Council covered it in 748 LED panels, and now displays a spectacular light show on it every night (ACC, 2011).

Check it out on the video below:


The Rundle Lantern, Adelaide from Martin Whipp on Vimeo.


While covering up a hideous car park, the Rundle Lantern has also re-energised this part of the city. It is now a place where people 'hang out' to watch the light show.

We should do this to parking buildings in Auckland. Like Adelaide, we could breathe life back into some of the most undesirable parts of the city centre.

ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL [ACC]. 2011. Rundle Lantern [Online]. Available: http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/attractions/rundle-lantern.html [Accessed 30/05/2011].