From design to features to types, there are many considerations to think about when planning for commercial elevator use. As a building owner or manager, you know your commercial elevator not only has to look good but it has to function correctly and safely. Whether your building has a few floors or you have a skyscraper, here are some important factors to consider.
Design
From space planning to lighting, when first adding an elevator to your commercial building, take into account the following:
Space Planning
This is important when considering the transformation of how your elevator will be perceived within the building. Cramming an elevator off to the side may be OK…IF you can make it fit in functionality-wise. But if it doesn’t complement the rest of the décor or it’s difficult to find, it’s not really going to work from a design perspective.
Keep in mind that well-planned elevator systems add visual beauty to the space, to be sure, but they also facilitate the flow of the layout, directly impacting user experience.
Lighting
Lighting is also important. If you’re going for optimal natural lighting, adding a glass elevator that draws natural light down from the ceiling is a wise idea. If you can’t have a glass elevator for whatever reason, add flat lights on the floor and ceiling, or highly-focused lights directing vision to the focal points.
Accent lighting brings style and sophistication to any space. Just think about the lights that museums and art exhibit halls use. Apply that same concept in and around your commercial elevator.
Architecture
A blend of harmony and symmetry in conjunction with the overall architectural design concept is a must. You will catch the eye of users when you incorporate an elevator with a unique architectural design that also considers the structural integrity of the unit.
Materials
Material selection is a vital factor as well. Consider the following materials:
- Flat and curved glass are perfect for commercial elevators because they merge nature and indoor living space to result in a more spacious atmosphere. Combine that with a 360–degree view and you have a winner.
- Wood veneer: Blending durability with traditional warmth, wood paneling can include oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, and birch.
- Stainless steel: Achieve a modern character with longevity, unique lighting effects, and durability with the crisp, clean lines of stainless steel.
Features
Elevators no doubt form the backbone of multi-storied commercial buildings. That’s why ample research must go into choosing the right elevator with all the desired features. The type you install will depend on many factors, such as the type of building, expected amount of foot traffic, and more.
Safety standards are also something to think about, and those include:
- Automatic sliding cabin/landing doors
- Desired cabin speed
- Cabin size and load capacity
- LED ceiling lights
- Anti-slip flooring
- Push buttons with braille
- Alarm that sounds when load capacity is exceeded
- Handle bars for support
- Emergency features
Types
There are many types of commercial elevators to choose from:
- Passenger
- LULA (limited use/limited application)
- Wheelchair lifts
- Freight elevators
- Dumbwaiters
- Hydraulic
- Traction
- Cable Drum
- MRL (machine-room-less)
- In-ground
- Standard
- Holeless
The one you choose will depend heavily on the type of building you have, the purpose of it, your budget, space constraints and more. We can help you decide if you’re having trouble!
Contact Mowrey Elevator
With so many considerations regarding commercial elevator design, features, and types, it’s natural that you may feel overwhelmed with your options. No worries. Call us today!