Aarhus, Paderborn, 23 June 2025 - Ten years after its inauguration, the fully automated parking system beneath Aarhus’s landmark DOKK1 building remains a benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and reliability in urban infrastructure. With 972 parking spaces and handling up to 2,000 vehicles per day, the facility is Europe’s largest of its kind – and continues to be a model for space-saving, sustainable mobility.
Delivered by Lödige Industries on behalf of Realdania, a private Danish association committed to improving the built environment, the parking system was a key component in the ambitious redevelopment of Aarhus’s former industrial harbor. Today, DOKK1 is a vibrant urban hub, home to Scandinavia’s largest library, civic services, event spaces, and more – sitting above an underground parking solution that has completed more than 2.5 million parking processes to date.
“Since its opening in 2015, the automated parking system by Lödige Industries has been an integrated part of DOKK1. Its high availability, efficient use of space and innovative technology align perfectly with the vision of DOKK1 as a forward-thinking civic hub – open, accessible and embedded in city life,” says Marie Østergård, Library Director, Aarhus public library.
Innovative Technology Beneath an Architectural Icon
The solution is based on Lödige Industries’ automated parking technology for large-scale systems, which operates without pallets and delivers particularly fast and smooth operation. Vehicles are driven into one of 20 ground-level transfer cabins, and from there, the process is fully automated: the car is lowered, scanned, and parked in the optimal location – across three underground levels – by a combination of lifts and shuttles. The system handles a wide range of vehicle sizes, including electric vehicles, and is therefore also ideally equipped for future requirements.
Thanks to smart software developed in-house by Lödige Industries, retrieval times average just 62 seconds, with the system recognizing user patterns and adjusting in real time to maximize efficiency. Throughout ten years of continuous operation, the system has achieved an impressive 99.5% availability rate – with no single day of downtime.
“From concept to completion, DOKK1 was a bold step for us as a company,” says Philippe De Backer, CEO of Lödige Industries. “At the time, this was our largest and most complex car park project ever undertaken. It pushed us to new limits in design, manufacturing, and software development. The success of this system is a direct result of the courage and creativity shown by our team and our partners in Aarhus.”
Built for the Future – and Still Going Strong
The result of a five-year development project beginning in 2010, this pioneering system was also the first in Lödige Industries' history to include a long-term maintenance contract – with a duration of 30 years. A remarkable engineering and project management feat, the facility was built atop thousands of concrete piles, elevating the structure approximately 900 mm above the seabed to allow for sea level changes over the next century.
The facility’s long-term success is rooted in meticulous planning and strong collaboration from the outset. Testing even included trialing turning radii with senior citizens before construction began. The city’s vision of creating a seamless and even enjoyable parking experience – once compared to the feel of duty-free shopping – was fully realized and continues to impress first-time users and regular visitors alike. Today, Lödige Industries continues to support the DOKK1 car park under a long-term service and maintenance agreement, ensuring its continued availability and efficiency for many years to come.
“Ten years ago, we promised to keep this system running smoothly for at least three decades – and we’re well on our way,” adds Conrad Ilsch, Managing Director at Lödige Scandinavia ApS. “Thanks to a combination of proactive remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and a dedicated on-site technician, we ensure users continue to enjoy an effortless parking experience in the heart of Aarhus.”
The DOKK1 project remains a standout example of urban transformation through engineering, bringing together architectural ambition, digital intelligence, and mechanical excellence – all in service of a city’s bold vision for the future.
About DOKK1
Located in Aarhus, Denmark, DOKK1 is striking architectural landmark designed by the internationally renowned architecture firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen. As the largest library in Scandinavia, it also houses a café, community spaces and other public facilities. Positioned at the heart of Aarhus’s Inner Harbour, DOKK1 plays a central role in the area’s transformation from an industrial zone into a vibrant, modern, and livable urban district. A key element of this redevelopment is the space-saving automated parking system, powered by advanced technology from Lödige Industries.
About Lödige Industries
Lödige Industries is a leading global supplier of logistics systems with headquarters in Germany. With offices around the world Lödige Industries provides material handling solutions for a wide range of customers. Founded in 1948, the family-owned business specialises in the supply of complex material handling solutions – from planning and design to programming, commissioning and ongoing service.
About Lödige Industries’ Automated Parking Systems
Lödige Industries is a pioneer in automated parking technology, delivering innovative solutions that maximize space and streamline urban mobility. Designed to reduce the footprint of parking infrastructure, these systems support smarter urban planning and more efficient building design. With over 85 systems installed worldwide, Lödige Industries provides flexible solutions – from compact systems for small developments to large-scale facilities accommodating more than 1,000 vehicles.
