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
| Jan 24, 2012
U of M installs new lighting at Crisler Player Development Center
Energy efficient lighting installed at PDC reduce costs and improves player performance.
| Jan 24, 2012
Rockingham County Judicial Center receives USGBC Gold NC v.2.2
The Rockingham facility is the first judicial center in North Carolina to seek certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Building rating system.
| Jan 19, 2012
LEED puts the 'Gold' in Riverside golden arches
McDonald's restaurant recognized for significant energy savings.
| Jan 19, 2012
Odebrecht and Braskem bring sustainable award to U.S. university students
The Odebrecht Award for sustainable development rewards future leaders in engineering and chemistry.
| Jan 19, 2012
BOKA Powell-designed facility at Texas A&M Bryan campus
The new facility provides programs for the Texas A&M Health Science Center, the Texas Brain and Spine Institute, Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, and Blinn College Allied Health programs.
| Jan 17, 2012
SOM Chicago wins competition to design China's Suzhou Center
The 75-level building is designed to accommodate a complex mixed-use program including office, service apartments, hotel and retail on a 37,000 sm site.
| Jan 17, 2012
FxFowle and CO Architects form joint venture
FxFowle and CO Architects creates a dynamic alliance built on a shared dedication to collaboration in process, innovation in programming, and excellence in design.
| Jan 17, 2012
Capital Engineering joins AECOM
With 160 employees based in Taipei and Kaohsiung, CEC specializes in environmental, water, hydraulic and land development engineering consulting services for clients in Taiwan's public and private sectors.
| Jan 17, 2012
SOM launches Los Angeles design studio
Expert team to join the firm's West Coast practice, focusing on innovative urban and environmentally sustainable design in Southern California
| Jan 16, 2012
2012 40 Under 40 applications due Friday, Jan. 20
Building Design+Construction's 40 Under 40 is open to AEC professionals from around the world who are under 40 years old, as of January 1, 2012.
