Where would it be without elevators?

As the space on land ceases to exist and the only way to create new infrastructure is to go up, the sky is quite literally the limit! While we all want to be healthy and opt for stairs, climbing 12 storeys every day is not a task most people would like to attempt every day.

Clearly, elevators are now an indispensable part of the modern day infrastructure, only growing more robust, sleek and innovative. From enabling people to climb multi-story buildings in a matter of minutes to transporting big cars to the top floor, elevators have come a long way from being a mere pulley-lever system.

1. Evolution of elevators in corporate spaces

Vertical lifts are not novel but a centuries old concept. Ancient Egyptians are known to have deployed the streamlined pulley system that not only carried the materials to greater levels, but had men perched up too! Hydro power was often the source of power for such lifts.

Romans too had fondness for this piece of technology which they used to stage dramatic gladiator entrances to the arena.

Elevators in corporate space were much late and less dramatic. However, Elisha Graves Otis introduced the first safety device for elevators in 1852, preventing the brakes from plummeting underground in case the cables came apart. Ever since the 19h century, elevators have been fitted with safety devices and eventually microprocessors to automate them completely.

2 Importance of Elevators While Conducting an Office Search

Elevators should be one of the most important factors during your office space search. Here’s why you should do that:

Ensuring Safety of those at office: Irrespective of their hierarchy, your office employees should be safe and take care of in and around the space. Considering a good quality elevator is the mark of a good office space that will have a positive impact on your workforce.

Checking Accessibility: An elevator opens doors to many spaces, quite literally. If your office has multiple floors, then elevators are important parameters to be considered for they will help your employees cut down their time of climbing up and down the stairs. We don’t want all of them missing their meetings and deadlines!

Assessing the Strength of the Lift: Different office spaces have different volumes coming in and out of the building every day. A lift meant for 500 kgs cannot accommodate 2400 kgs. Checking the elevator during your office search can help determine if your elevators can handle the influx and outflow of the office people.

Checking the Strength of the Lift and the Building: While we spoke about the volume, the strength is what will determine the heavy lifting. Alongside an expert, checking the make of the lift and assessing the space that is accommodating is critical before you finalize the space for your office.

Assessing the Space Taken by the Elevator: Is the elevator taking up too much space? It might reflect on the other side of the wall and might come off as an unpleasant surprise. Assessing and elevator during office space gives a very clear picture of the space available.

3. Elevator Checklist that office owners must follow

We are no longer in the times of manual pulling of the lifts. However, there are few elevator rules office owners must consider before they finalize on their dream space.

Inside The Car

Keep an eye on the door and ensure it can be opened and closed smoothly

Look out for damages across all surfaces

Check the lights and replace the fused or broken ones

Ensure that the emergency phones is working and can be connected to nearby security and 911 network operator

Outside The Car

Assess the door panels - do they close seamlessly? Are they strong enough?

This time, check lights on each floor and replace the fused or broken ones. `

Test the fire alarm systems.

Top Of The Car

Ensure that the cables are strong and unbroken.

With an expert, check the brake mechanism as well as test them

Make emergency exit operational at all times.

Machine Room

The machines must be well lubricated - keep an eye on the oil levels.

Keep a clear path for the elevator to move.

No open wires or electrical defects

Ample headroom for technicians

The Pit

Check for the necessary clearance

Check for debris, dirt or water

Make pit more accessible

4. Conclusion

Lifts are an uncompromisable part of daily life. From office spaces to towering buildings, we all need the speed and functionality of this machinery. If we were to continue the discussion about elevators, then the future holds quite a promise since NASA is positive about having such technology that will not only scale the tallest of buildings but into the space itself!

Fingers crossed!