June 18, 2013 at 12:29 pm

Japan’s Automated Underground Bike Storage

by twistedsifter

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (4)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

The Problem

Bicycles are a popular form of transportation in Japan. However, when parked they can take up a lot of public space that could otherwise be used by pedestrian foot traffic, small storefronts, etc.

The Solution

Rather than take up valuable real estate above ground, store them safely underground where they are protected from the weather and would-be thieves, while freeing up valuable public space.

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (5)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

The ECO Cycle
Anti-seismic Underground Bicycle Park by Giken

 
The ECO Cycle is an automated underground storage system for bicycles. Designed by Giken, it has a capacity of 204 bicycles and can retrieve a person’s bike in approximately 13 seconds.

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (3)

 

How It Works

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (6)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (7)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (8)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (9)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (10)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (2)

1. IC tag fixed on front frame of bicycle is read automatically by the sensor in front of the Entrance Door, and then the Front Wheel Shutter opens automatically. Then, the front wheel should be placed into the open space.

2. After the front wheel is fixed by the Clamp, step away from the mat and then press “the Loading Button”.

3. The Entrance Door opens automatically and then the bicycle is conveyed into the Eco-cycle. The door closes automatically. It is the end of loading operation.

4. Transporting Tray brings the bicycle down with revolving action to a vacant pallet.

5. The Transporting Tray slides to place the bicycle at the vacant pallet. It is the end of loading bicycle.

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (13)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (12)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (11)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

Construction and Specifications

– Earthquake-proof wall composed of pressed-in piles which form cylindrical wall
– The Eco-cycle is completed by using prefabricated materials
– Max bicycle weight 30kg (66 lbs)
– Parking capacity: 204
– Retrieval speed: 13 seconds
– Depth: 11.65 meters (38.22 ft)
– Diameter: 8.55 meters (28 ft)

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (1)

1. Pressing-in piles to form cylindrical wall by using a dedicated designed Silent Piler

2. Excavation inside the shaft to create the underground space

3. Installation of Mechanical parking system inside the shaft

4. Installation of the prefabricated entrance booth

 

japan underground bike storage parking system by giken (14)

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

 

 

 

 

 

If you enjoyed this post, the Sifter
highly recommends:

 

 

cell phone tower disguised as a cactus 1 Japans Automated Underground Bike Storage

 

 

 

inside amazons chaotic storage warehouses 3 Japans Automated Underground Bike Storage

 

 

 

viganella italy builds mirror to reflect sun combat darkness 14 Japans Automated Underground Bike Storage