Abstract
Efficient vertical mobility is a critical component of tall building development and construction. This paper investigates recent advances in elevator technology and examines their impact on tall building development. It maps out, organizes, and collates complex and scattered information on multiple aspects of elevator design, and presents them in an accessible and non-technical discourse. Importantly, the paper contextualizes recent technological innovations by examining their implementations in recent major projects including One World Trade Center in New York; Shanghai Tower in Shanghai; Burj Khalifa in Dubai; Kingdom Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and the green retrofit project of the Empire State Building in New York. Further, the paper discusses future vertical transportation models including a vertical subway concept, a space lift, and electromagnetic levitation technology. As these new technological advancements in elevator design empower architects to create new forms and shapes of large-scale, mixed-use developments, this paper concludes by highlighting the need for interdisciplinary research in incorporating elevators in skyscrapers.
Highlights
When people think about the development of cities, rarely do they contemplate the critical role of vertical transportation
Antony Wood, 2014, a Professor of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Executive Director of the Council On Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats (CTBUH), explains that advances in elevators over past 20 years are probably the greatest advances we have seen in tall buildings [1]
In addition to highlighting the importance of elevators in the development of our cities, this paper aims to educate about the intersection of green technologies with energy efficient elevators
Summary
When people think about the development of cities, rarely do they contemplate the critical role of vertical transportation. STAR [10,11] To accomplish these goals, this research delves into the recent technological innovations of global leaders of elevator manufacturers (e.g., KONE, Helsinki, Finland; Otis, Farmington, CT, USA; Mitsubishi, Tokyo, Japan; Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan; and ThyssenKrupp, Essen, Germany). This research delves into the recent technological innovations of global leaders of elevator manufacturers (e.g., KONE, Helsinki, Finland; Otis, Farmington, CT, USA; Mitsubishi, Tokyo, Japan; Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan; and ThyssenKrupp, Essen, Germany) These companies are producing and implementing premium elevators that enjoy improved controls, hardware, and other systems that use less energy but are much more compact, efficient, and even generate electricity that a building can use. The paper discusses technologies that focus on the passenger experience, including speed, comfort, security, and entertainment It addresses future research and development on elevator design
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