IAQ in Large Enclosed Car-Parks in Hong Kong

With the increasing number of vehicles on Hong Kong's roads there is a heavy demand for car parking spaces, especially in commercial areas. Given the shortage of land for development in the territory, multi-storey and under ground car-parks seem to offer the best solution for Government and develop ers alike. However, provision of adequate mechanical ventilation is essential to maintain an acceptable air quality in enclosed and underground car-parks. The overall purpose of a study undertaken by the authors was to develop improved methods for designing car-park ventilation systems. This paper con siders current concerns in Hong Kong on the environment in car-parks, and reports on an ongoing survey of car-park environments, as determined by car bon monoxide concentrations, and on existing ventilation system design and operation. Current design guidelines and ventilation design methodologies used in Hong Kong are reviewed and their suitability for local application is examined. Typical design and operating problems found in car-parks are dis cussed. Case studies of typical underground car-parks in the territory are included.