The conveyance industry has come a long way since the country’s first passenger elevator was installed in a New York City store, back in 1856, by Elisha Otis. Today, we ride up and down an estimated 900,000 elevators in the United States, collectively making 18 billion passenger trips per year, according to the National Elevator Industry.
Growth in escalators and moving walkways, which debuted at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago, can double that figure in certain markets, such as airports. But that is not the only new development in the world of vertical transport.
After reading this article, you should be able to:
? Describe the benefits of new technology solutions for building vertical transportation systems in terms of energy efficiency, safety, and spatial flexibility.
? Discuss the applications of such energy-saving systems as machine-roomless elevators, double-decker and twin elevators, and destination-based controls.
? List several green building techniques and initiatives related to vertical conveyance systems.
? Explain how new codes affect elevator and escalator designs, and cite two or more examples of specific codes affecting their application, particularly with regard to sustainability.
To earn 1.0 AIA/CES Discovery HSW/SD learning units, complete the reading and take the 10-question exam.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2015
Industry groups petition for change order reform on federal projects
Nine design and construction associations ask for assurance that funds available for additional work.
High-rise Construction | Apr 6, 2015
Melbourne tower will light up depending on weather
The tower will be illuminated by 164-foot-tall beams of LED light based on weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 3, 2015
French startup develops drone camera that overlays video with 3D images
The new drones can capture video and overlay the shot results with 3D images and augmented reality remotely.
Libraries | Apr 2, 2015
6 award-winning libraries showcase next-gen design strategies
The new Cedar Rapids Public Library and the restored Slover Library in Norfolk, Va., are among six breakthrough projects honored with 2015 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards.
Contractors | Apr 1, 2015
ABC: Nonresidential construction spending flat in February
The Associated Builders and Contractors forecasts a robust nonresidential construction spending recovery in 2015, despite an underwhelming start.
Office Buildings | Apr 1, 2015
IBM's supercomputer Watson finds new home in Manhattan's Silicon Alley
The new headquarters for the former Jeopardy champ was conceived as a showcase for Watson’s capabilities, and as an inspirational workspace for Millennials and idea generators of all ages.
Sponsored | Fire and Life Safety | Apr 1, 2015
Radiant Heat: The Invisible Killer
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Where there’s fire, there’s the deadly threat of radiant heat.
Modular Building | Mar 31, 2015
Phoenix apartment complex will be made from recycled shipping containers
The eight-unit complex, called Containers on Grand, was inspired by the need for affordable and sustainable housing near the city's core.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 31, 2015
Pratt Institute to offer first-ever degree in placemaking
As part of its new Urban Placemaking and Management degree, Pratt will offer courses on topics such as "the history and theory of public space" and the "economics of place."
Architects | Mar 30, 2015
Q+A with Arthur Gensler, and advice from his new book
"Designers need to be trained to solve their clients’ problems through design while leading their own firms to become sustainable practices," says Gensler.
