Vertical transportation is an integral part of any building, and is essential in promoting easier accessibility and movement. It is no wonder, therefore, that many buildings require space for elevators and escalators in their designs in order to enhance their value and gain a competitive advantage over the others in the market. For this to be achieved, you have to evaluate the type of machine you are installing and the features it comes with. Engage a new elevator and escalator design engineer to ensure that you get user friendly machines that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Location
Consider installing the elevator or escalator at a place that is easily visible and accessible, so that the occupants do not have a difficult time finding them. Especially in commercial buildings, have them right at the entrance to avoid loitering and using so much time in the name of looking for an easier way to get up the building. Also, keep in mind the arrangement of structures in the building, and avoid squeezing these machines in spaces that are too small for them, or simply not viable. Remember, you need to have practical and logical solutions that actually work.
Consider the aged and physically disadvantaged
Steel bars
Make sure that your elevators are convenient for old people and those who are blind, deaf or on wheelchairs. Have steel bars on the inside for these people to hold on to so as to prevent from getting dizzy and falling due to the elevator’s movement. The bars should be flexible and at a reasonable height on the sides of the interior for easier use. Make sure that the lift is fitted properly so that it moves smoothly from one floor to another to prevent bumpy rides that may affect fragile occupants.
Mirrors
Consider having mirrors on the interior not only as a classic decoration, but also to make it easier for people on wheelchairs to know their surrounding without having to turn their heads. It also enables them to tell the location of the lift without having to turn or ask other people. In a lighter sense, mirrors help to enlarge the space, making it look bigger and more accommodative for claustrophobics.
Panels on lift doors
Install lift doors with transparent glass panels so that the occupants can see what is going on outside, and vice versa. This also makes it easier for deaf people to communicate with outsiders in case they are caught up in an emergency, in combination with the visual signs fitted on the interior to show the lift location and the message panel.
Location buttons
The location buttons should be placed at a considerable height that is accessible by people of all heights, and at a visible space at the front interior. Therefore, occupants will be able to easily choose where they want to go without getting confused or disoriented. Make it easier for the blind to use the location buttons by having Braille signs on them so that they are also aware of their movements.
Escalators
Always make sure that your escalators are manned with experienced personnel who can provide help to people who are using them for the first time, or are having trouble getting on and off. Have steady holding rails for those who need something to hold on to, and ensure that they are travelling at a steady speed to prevent people from toppling over. Most machines have signs at the top and bottom of the rails to indicate whether the escalator is going up or down at any particular moment, and this makes it simpler for people to understand hence prevents any confusion.
