DESIGNA: Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier Redefines Parking Through Integrated System Architecture

With Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, one of Europe’s most ambitious inner-city developments has been realised in Hamburg’s HafenCity. The scale and diversity of the site create specific requirements for parking operations, from varying user groups to fluctuating traffic flows.

Rather than relying on a single system type, the solution follows a different approach: integration.

From a conventional setup to a system architecture

The project initially started with a more traditional parking concept. Over time, this approach was fundamentally reworked.

In close coordination with the client, an integrated system architecture was developed that combines different parking models within one facility and aligns them with specific usage scenarios.

One system, multiple use cases

The Überseequartier brings together retail, gastronomy, leisure, hotels and additional services. Each of these comes with different expectations in terms of parking duration, payment behaviour and user flow.

The implemented solution reflects this diversity, including ticketless systems for short-term parking, FREEFLOW areas without barriers, the integration of contract parkers as well as dynamic pricing and mobile payment.

Barrier-based and barrier-free setups are not treated as alternatives, but are deliberately combined depending on operational requirements.

Managing complexity in operation

The goal was not to simplify the system, but to manage complexity in a controlled way.

Different traffic flows are separated and guided, user groups are handled differently within the system and processes are adapted to specific use cases.

This allows operators to maintain control while ensuring a consistent user experience.

Camera-based guidance as an operational layer

In collaboration with Videte IT, a camera-based parking guidance system was implemented.

Single-space detection enables accurate occupancy tracking, targeted driver guidance and a reduction in search traffic, contributing directly to improved traffic flow within the facility.

Seamless processes in operation

Entry, parking guidance, payment and exit are aligned to form a continuous process.

In the background, Designa Digital Solution (DDS) modules provide the system logic. The Contract Parker module is already in use, while additional features such as mobile payment are being implemented.

This modular setup keeps the system flexible and allows for gradual expansion.

Parking as part of a connected infrastructure

Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier illustrates how parking is evolving beyond isolated systems.

It becomes part of a connected infrastructure that integrates different use cases, manages traffic flows and supports digital operations.

This is where the benchmark for modern parking systems is shifting.

About DESIGNA

Designa is a global leader in fully automated parking systems with more than 70 years of experience. The company develops innovative products and solutions for parking management and supports operators in modernizing their infrastructure without compromising the reliability of proven systems. With more than 500 employees in over 60 countries, Designa delivers customized solutions for complex parking requirements.