American’s fascination with automobiles has altered homes and public spaces. For houses, these range from suburban extensions of the roof to ward off weather—the carport—to separate structures that may include additional spaces for storage or work.

These are especially associated with male activities or escape in mass media representations of the home. Suburban sprawl and status have created a demand for twoand three-car garages even in subdivisions. Garages are also part of the family life cycle: garage apartments (upstairs) may provide rental income or may be used for older children or relatives; garages may also be converted into living spaces for growing families.

In cities, garage space may be premium real estate for apartment and house dwellers, creating a labyrinth of garage privileges and street regulations. Public garages (and the asphalt scars of parking lots) have become frequent postwar urban projects for urban commuter populations. In contrast to private garages, these spaces are often seen as dangerous, especially for women, while they become the scenes of countless car chases and crime shows in mass media. Meanwhile, in suburbs, public parking for malls, business campuses, schools and motels eats up new acres across the US daily.