By Williams Lin | Design Manager
Elevators are often viewed as a small part of a building design. In reality, vertical transportation systems influence architecture, structure, mechanical systems, electrical systems, accessibility, life safety, operations, and the overall user experience.
Why Elevator Design Matters
Many elevator-related issues do not become apparent until later in design or even during construction. By that point, changes can be costly, schedules can be affected, and design flexibility may be limited.
At GUNN Consultants, we regularly review projects where elevator-related challenges could have been avoided through earlier planning and coordination. While every project is unique, there are several common pitfalls that continue to appear across a wide range of building types.
1. Elevator Requirements Defined Too Late
One of the most common challenges occurs when elevator planning is deferred until the building design is already well developed. Decisions relating to elevator quantity, capacity, speed, and layout can influence the building core, structural system, and overall planning of the project. Early evaluation helps avoid costly redesigns later in the process.
2. Insufficient Interdisciplinary Coordination
Elevators interact with virtually every design discipline. Electrical power requirements, emergency power, ventilation, fire and life safety systems, structural requirements, and access control all require coordination. A lack of communication between disciplines can result in conflicts that may not be discovered until late in design or construction.
3. Elevator Size and Usage Not Fully Considered
The correct elevator solution depends on how the building will function. Occupancy type, service requirements, accessibility needs, and long-term operations can all influence elevator size and configuration. What works for one building type may be completely inappropriate for another.
4. Counterweight Protection Overlooked
Counterweight protection requirements can have a surprising impact on building design. Depending on the arrangement of the building, these requirements can affect parking layouts, storage areas, structural design, and usable space below the elevator pit.
5. Architectural Features That Affect Elevator Design
Design elements such as glass hoistways, specialty finishes, and feature elevators can create requirements that are not always obvious at the concept stage. In some cases, architectural objectives and elevator code requirements can conflict, requiring creative solutions and early coordination.
6. Access Through Elevator Spaces
Elevator spaces are highly regulated environments. Access routes that appear convenient during planning may not be permissible once elevator requirements are considered. These issues are often discovered much later than they should be.
7. Unrelated Equipment in Elevator Spaces
As building systems become more complex, elevator rooms and shafts sometimes become convenient pathways for other services. Unfortunately, what appears to be a small coordination issue can create significant code and maintenance concerns.
8. Pit Access and Maintenance Access Requirements
Elevator maintenance and inspection requirements need to be considered during design. Access arrangements that appear practical during early planning may not satisfy long-term operational requirements once the elevator is installed.
9. Elevator Layout Constraints
Elevator layouts involve more than just the hoistway. Machine rooms, control rooms, overhead clearances, and maintenance access requirements all need sufficient space. Design constraints introduced later in a project can significantly limit available elevator solutions.
10. Exterior Elevator Entrances and Weather Exposure
Exterior elevator entrances can introduce operational and maintenance challenges that are often underestimated. Water management, drainage, weather protection, material durability, and long-term reliability all need to be considered during design.
The Common Theme
Many elevator-related challenges share the same root cause: they are identified too late.
What may appear to be a straightforward elevator design decision can have impacts on multiple disciplines and affect both construction costs and long-term building operations.
The earlier elevator requirements are understood, the more options are available to the design team.
Need a Deeper Dive?
These ten topics are only the surface of a much larger conversation. Each one has the potential to affect project cost, schedule, maintainability, and user experience.
GUNN regularly presents Lunch & Learns and educational sessions for architects, developers, project managers, and engineering teams on elevator planning, design coordination, modernization, accessibility requirements, and emerging industry trends.
To arrange a presentation or discuss a project, contact your local GUNN office.