Smart elevator tech reaches new heights for faster, safer and stress free journeys

Leading elevator manufacturer Otis discusses how the latest smart elevator technologies have benefited the landmark Twentytwo Bishopsgate development in London.

The UN predicts that by 2030, 60% of world’s population will be living in cities – driving a need to build vertically. In London alone, it’s reported that within the next 15 years, there will be over 400 buildings of at least 20 floors, many of which are already in construction or planning. 

As we build these cities of the future, design needs to be guided by how we work, live and play, and not simply by a brief for more floor space wrapped in an eye-catching façade. 

Twentytwo Bishopsgate, one of the newest buildings under construction in the cluster of tall buildings in London’s Square Mile has been designed with exactly this in mind. Described as a ‘vertical village campus’, the tower will combine public, social and work spaces, and features art installations, a public viewing deck as well as bike racks galore and a handy bike maintenance shop.

Integral to how we enjoy these spaces is how we move around them, and this is one of the biggest challenges faced by architects and designers.

At Twentytwo Bishopsgate, Otis has been engaged to supply the 57 elevators and 10 escalators needed to meet this challenge.  Today, clever elevator technologies can act as a compass to guide you on your journey. By telling the elevator where you want to go before you even get in, the SmartGrouping system can group you with others travelling to a similar destination, meaning you can get there up to 50% faster than a conventional elevator. Gone are the infuriating days of stopping at every floor on the way to yours. Smartphone apps can even let you call the elevator before you leave your desk, turning irritating waiting time into walking time. 

Better still, as technology gathers momentum, the elevators do too. Once completed, the double-deck elevators in Twentytwo Bishopsgate are set to travel at a speedy 30km/hour, making them the fastest in Europe. Each elevator installation integrates best-in-class technologies to ensure the seamless, safe operation of the entire system. The sustainable design minimizes space requirements and reduces energy use.  Each high speed elevator is powered by a SkyMotion® machine, which is among the most energy efficient available on the planet. Their lighter weight makes them easier to install, and their smaller footprint saves space. In addition, each elevator is equipped with drives that actually feed energy back into the building. 

Building these colossal landmarks calls for construction elevator systems that move people and materials safely and shielded from the elements.  Now, unique hydraulic piston systems enable these elevators to quickly climb one floor at a time as the building rises, allowing it to be used to move people and equipment during construction. 

It can jump one floor between shifts during off-hours, which minimizes any inconvenience or schedule delays. Unlike external construction elevators of old, these are installed internally and, upon completion, niftily convert to high speed passenger elevators. This helps speed construction and save money. 

So the next time you’re rushing out of the building to catch a train, or trying to maximise a lunch break, you can rely on the smart elevator system to make your journey stress free.