Sustainability, accessibility and energy efficiency aspects of conveying systems

Abstract

Vertical transportation planning is having a critical role in urban and building design. It has become a source of integrated and synergetic task of professionals involved in the design, from the project conception until building turnover, operation and maintenance of the buildings. Planning, design and construction of the conveying systems in contemporary architecture include researching human factors, geography and social aspects, accessibility per the applicable codes, foreseeing the future use and vertical communication in the building, roles and functions of the tenants in the building, focused on all challenges by addressing tenants needs in a most suitable manner. In high rises, the design team must understand all demands arising from building type, occupancy type, optimal selection of the elevator’s smart and sustainable technology, equipment type and placement, importance of the traffic study as the project delivery evolves in phases, energy demand, energy efficiency and measuring. As more tall buildings are designed mixed-use as oppose to single-use as it was in the past, all these aspects become fundamental in urban planning. Delivering a decision that enables reliable, sustainable and energy efficient vertical transportation on one side, researching and designing to meet the human complex cultural specifics and requirements, on the other hand, is a multifold problem facing challenges. It relates to subjective and objective components encompassed in numerous research fields to be included in the design considerations: architecture, engineering, ergonomics, manufacturing and technical aspects, economical aspects, sustainability, energy management and life safety. This paper proposes a conceptual hierarchical schematic categorizing and classifying the identified aspects, attributes and criteria assistive and relevant throughout the process of delivering a sound decision when choosing an optimal vertical transport for a specific building type. It also shows the importance of accessibility for all, by example of the requirements for systems in jurisdictions governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and local building codes, which vary by the occupancy, location and building height. The proposed schematic conforms to the contemporary standards for energy efficiency according to VDI 4701, and design in the related field. At the same time conforms to the sustainability scheme, such as building sustainability certification per the most popular LEED or BREEAM focusing on the specific requirements of the vertical transport as related to the building, occupancy, Architect’s design and final users’ needs and prerequisites.