Elevators have come a long way since their ancient counterparts, which were often depicted in movies showing pyramid builders using rudimentary lifts. While the concept of elevators has existed for centuries, the modern elevator we use today was invented by Elisha Graves Otis in 1852.
Since then, elevator technology has continuously evolved. The basic idea behind a home lift is simple, but its design must be tailored to fit the specific needs of the building it serves. This challenge of creating functional and safe lifts has led to some truly remarkable elevator designs worldwide.
It often takes creative and innovative thinking to move people and goods safely and efficiently. Here are 10 famous elevators from around the globe. Keep reading to discover more!
Why Elevators Are More Than Just Vertical Transport
Elevators are more than just a way to move between floors—they play a key role in modern architecture. Iconic buildings like the Burj Khalifa and Empire State Building owe their height and functionality to elevators. Elevators also enhance a building’s aesthetic and experience, offering unique rides, such as the high-speed lifts in the Burj Khalifa or panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower.
Elevators, like eco-friendly systems, are also engineering marvels with speed, efficiency, and sustainability innovations. Culturally, they symbolize progress, making multi-level spaces accessible to all and reflecting values of equality and inclusivity.
Top 10 Famous Elevators Around the World
AquaDom, Germany
The AquaDom is a stunning 82-foot tall cylindrical aquarium in Berlin’s Radisson Blu Hotel. It features a transparent elevator that travels through the center of the aquarium, offering passengers a unique experience. Opened in 2004, this impressive aquarium is the world’s largest acrylic cylindrical tank, measuring 36 feet in diameter and holding 260,000 gallons of water. Home to 50 species of fish and marine life, the AquaDom requires daily maintenance from a team of divers to clean the tank and feed the animals.
Globen Skyview, Sweden
Situated in Stockholm, the Globen Skyview features two spherical cabins that travel outside the Ericsson Globe, the world’s largest hemispherical building. These glass-enclosed cabins take passengers up the arena’s south side, offering spectacular city views. Unlike traditional elevators, the cabins follow a curved path, making the ride feel more like a gondola journey. Since its opening in 2010, it has become a popular tourist attraction.
Hammetschwand Elevator, Switzerland
The Hammetschwand Elevator, perched above Lake Lucerne near the Swiss Alps, is Europe’s highest outdoor elevator, standing 502 feet tall. This impressive lift runs along the side of a nearly vertical cliff, offering breathtaking views of the lake below. It’s also swift, reaching the top in just one minute! Built in 1905 and updated several times since this elevator was groundbreaking and is a remarkable sight today.
Bailong Elevator, China
The Bailong Elevator holds the Guinness World Record for the highest outdoor lift in the world. This glass elevator climbs 1,070 feet up the towering sandstone cliffs of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, offering stunning landscape views. Completed in 2002 after three years of construction, it reaches the top in less than two minutes. With a capacity for 50 passengers, it’s the tallest elevator and one of the largest.
Gateway Arch Elevator, USA
This elevator is a visitor must-see inside the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. The Arch, the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere, features a unique elevator system with eight egg-shaped compartments, each holding five seats. As the elevator ascends, the compartments rotate slightly to follow the Arch’s curve, allowing passengers to view the structure’s interior. At the top, a small observation deck offers sweeping views of St. Louis. The elevator has been in operation since 1967.
Santa Justa Lift, Portugal
Opened in 1902, the Santa Justa Lift is a fantastic example of early engineering and design. Located in the heart of Lisbon, this lift connects the lower streets of the Baixa district with the higher Largo do Carmo area, rising seven stories. With its striking Neo-Gothic style and stunning panoramic views from the top, the Santa Justa Lift has become one of Lisbon’s top tourist attractions.
Lacerda Elevator, Brazil
The Lacerda Elevator in Salvador, Brazil, serves a similar purpose as the Santa Justa Lift, connecting the lower and upper parts of the city. Standing at 235 feet, this elevator offers passengers breathtaking views of the bay as they make the quick 30-second journey. Opened in 1873, it originally ran on hydraulic power before switching to electricity in 1906. Today, it transports around 28,000 passengers each day!
Falkirk Wheel, Scotland
While technically a boat lift rather than a traditional elevator, the Falkirk Wheel is unique and deserves a mention. Completed in 2002, this rotating boat lift, shaped like a double-headed axe, replaced old locks and revived the connection between two canals near Falkirk. It’s the first of its kind in the world and has been a significant engineering achievement since it began operation, linking canals after a gap of nearly 70 years.
Sumitomo Fudosan Roppongi Grand Tower Elevators, Japan
The Sumitomo Fudosan Roppongi Grand Tower in Tokyo is home to Japan’s largest passenger elevators. This impressive tower features four massive elevators, each measuring 10 feet by 11 feet and capable of carrying up to 90 people at an astonishing speed of 984 feet per minute. Two of these elevators have glass walls, offering passengers breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo as they travel.
Asansör, Turkey
Located in the Karatas district of İzmir, Turkey, Asansör is a historic elevator built in 1907. This unique lift transports passengers up a cliff, connecting two parts of the neighborhood. At the top, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the city from a viewing platform and also dine at one of the area’s most popular restaurants. The Asansör attracts tourists year-round, offering both a functional and scenic experience.
Noteworthy Mentions: Elevators That Inspire Awe
Elevators aren’t just functional—they’re often impressive in engineering, design, and innovation. Some stand out for their exceptional features, inspiring awe with their unique capabilities. Let’s look at a few remarkable lifts that showcase how far engineering can go, pushing the limits of what’s possible.
The Role of Design and Engineering in Iconic Elevators
Iconic elevators blend cutting-edge technology with stunning design. For instance, the Shanghai Tower Elevator quickly takes passengers up the 128-story building in just 55 seconds, offering breathtaking views. Similarly, the Gateway Arch Elevator in St. Louis stands out with its unique spherical design, making the ride a memorable experience. These elevators demonstrate how engineering and design create functional and visually striking innovations.
Sustainability and Innovation in Elevator Design
Modern elevators also prioritize sustainability—the Copenhagen Metro Elevators, for example, feature regenerative braking systems to reduce energy use. Many eco-friendly lifts are integrated into green buildings, ensuring that elevators are efficient, stylish, and environmentally conscious.
Conclusion
Elevators like these are a perfect example of how utility, innovation, and artistry come together. They represent a commitment to pushing the limits—both in terms of technology and design—and serve as a reminder of how thoughtful home lift design can transform everyday experiences.
More than just a functional tool, elevators are a seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and aesthetic appeal. From high-speed marvels to uniquely crafted rides, these lifts challenge our perceptions of what vertical transportation can achieve. They highlight the power of combining engineering and creativity to enhance a building’s functionality and visual impact.
If you’re looking for an elevator that combines reliability and style, look no further than SWIFT Lifts. Our SWIFT Lite and SWIFT Pro models offer the perfect balance of performance and design to fit your needs. Let SWIFT Lifts elevate your space with cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design.
FAQs
Smart elevators are transforming building management using advanced technologies like AI and IoT. These systems optimize energy use, improve efficiency, and enable features like predictive maintenance and personalized ride experiences.
Modern elevators have advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, door sensors, real-time monitoring, and earthquake detection systems, ensuring a safer and more reliable ride. Discover our SWIFT Lite and SWIFT Pro models for a blend of efficiency, design, and sustainability.
Elevators contribute to sustainability by integrating energy-efficient systems like regenerative drives, energy-saving lighting, and eco-friendly materials. These features reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact.
Designing elevators for ultra-tall skyscrapers requires addressing challenges like travel speed, reducing wait times, and ensuring efficiency. Engineers also focus on safety, smooth operation, and minimal space usage.
Innovations like magnetic levitation (maglev) technology, smart elevator systems, and green building integrations are shaping the future of vertical transportation, making it faster, more energy-efficient, and user-friendly. Let SWIFT Lifts elevate your space!
