A Modern Approach to Older Buildings

The development of lift systems has matched, in no small measure, that of the buildings themselves. As buildings have been replaced, the lift system has been part of the new development, with improved control systems, safety features and physical appearance. An increasing number of developers, however, are resisting the urge to replace older buildings, perhaps due to the effects of heritage group pressure, and also to the expense involved in, and restrictions placed upon demolition work. The lift system designer can be left in a quandary with these buildings, whether to offer a completely new system or to utilise, as far as possible, the existing equipment and building style. This paper considers the lift systems in several extensively restored elderly buildings in Sydney, Australia.