Vertical Transportation (Lift & Escalator) Consultants

Bespoke lift & escalator consultancy

To achieve truly successful vertical transportation engineering outcomes, we must design seamless systems that allow people to move around their environment easily and comfortably – using accessible circulation routes that feel intuitive, unrestricted and natural.

Our awareness of future trends and industry knowledge ensures that we consistently deliver creative and innovative solutions that achieve the right balance between flexibility, space, technical performance, energy consumption and cost-efficiency. Within the industry, our team is well respected for their contribution to academic research, development and product integration with manufacturers and suppliers.

The specialist VT and lift consultants at Sweco are dedicated to the provision of expert consultancy advice in the area of people movement and goods handling for buildings. Our expert engineers have extensive experience in all sectors of the industry; the analysis, selection, design and installation of lifts and escalators for all types of building – not least in some of London’s most iconic high structures. Their knowledge and experience allow us to deliver consistently creative and innovative solutions. They utilise the best of current technologies with an awareness of future trends and their likely impacts on the developments.

In buildings, space has value and vertical transportation systems must achieve the right balance between flexibility, space, performance and cost. We are active in research, development and product integration with manufacturers and suppliers – and have extensive experience of working with appropriate subcontractors.

Key considerations for all VT projects

When approaching any vertical transportation challenge, there are a number of ‘must-haves’ any partner should consider alongside your project team as a minimum.

We work closely with you during the initial briefing stage to fully understand all requirements in terms of occupancy, cabin capacity, waiting times, noise control and speed of movement, before we undertake a thorough review of the building itself and propose optimised solutions that provide maximum value.

Performance & maximising lettable area

In major developments lift cores will occupy a significant amount of valuable space. The key tenet of an effective vertical transportation strategy should therefore always be one of minimising the lift core space take whilst meeting the agreed performance criteria.

Ride quality

In commercial developments lifts need to deliver high levels of ride quality with low levels of noise and vibration (within economically justifiable limits).

Construction programme

Lift installations in buildings also offer an opportunity to support and reduce overall construction programme durations and associated costs. Beneficial use of the lifts by the main contractor and their trades is an important consideration to minimise overall construction programme.

Design interface

The requirements of the vertical transportation strategy must be clearly communicated and co-ordinated with the structural design, MEP design, Fire Strategy and Accessibility Consultant. This co-ordination needs to start early and requires particular focus when these disciplines are being carried out by different consultants.

Flexibility

Major developments must meet the needs of its occupiers both at Day 1 and Year 15+. Needs change and the way we are building in the future will change. Vertical transportation systems need to be configured to anticipate and meet those changing needs with minimal disruption and cost to the business.

Innovation

The lifts in a building are an integral part of the building experience for both occupiers and visitors and are therefore an important opinion former on the quality of the resident businesses. The adoption of appropriate, risk managed, innovation can enhance the quality perception of the building and its occupiers.