Museum of Arts and Science Parking Lot

This is a great example of a parking lot that has been successfully integrated into the existing landscape. Mature canopy trees abound, providing many opportunities for viewing wildlife and a great deal of shade. The absense of turf is conspicuous and the curbless edges allow for infiltration of stormwater in the many landscape islands. There is nothing aesthetically wrong with a natural parking lot. I have listened to more than one developer insist on raised curbs because it would make the parking lot look more finished. I don't agree that a curbed parking lot appears more finished or is more aesthetically appealing than one that looks like this one does.

I think that the pedestrian walkways, well thought out drop off area and bollard lights provide a much more finished parking lot without obstructing stormwater flow, as curbs would. This is also a good example of Low Impact Design. http://www.moas.org/