Going up

Commercial Design takes a look at mechanical transportation systems and finds that the sector is scaling new heights

- Shristi Nangalia

The most common challenges that a building’s facility management team faces are ageing building systems, increased costs, maintenance issues and user comfort. For any commercial building, user discomfort is a major drawback as it directly leads to the downfall of standards. A ‘comfortable’ experience for the occupants finds its base on transportation and movement. In today’s milieu, controlling the pedestrian traffic inside buildings largely depends on mechanical transportation systems such as traction elevators, hydraulic elevators, escalators, moving walkways, etc.

Mechanical transportation systems are significant components in commercial properties, and various aspects and factors need to be taken into account while selecting them. Apart from providing sufficient serviceability, a good transport system should be efficient and safe. Checked and re-checked motors, cables and machinery should be installed to avoid injuries and fatalities. Smart systems and controls induce a responsible and eco-friendly edge to service units. Meanwhile, availability of equipment retrofits and replacements, energy solutions, audit and maintenance programmes make the system a purposeful package.

Innovations have given rise to smarter and environment friendlier composites, which are making way to a healthy surround. Solar-powered elevators are being engineered to shift a little energy demand towards renewable sources. Second-generation switch elevators will soon run on solar panels, solar-powered batteries and geothermal energy. Multidirectional elevators have been designed to travel both laterally and vertically through motorised magnets. This can not only increase efficiency but also prove to be space-saving.