Integrating Elevators

VT design key to successful real estate developments and infrastructure projects.

Sneha Gurjar (SG), director, CEM Engineers, shares perspectives with your author (SSP) on the significance of efficiently planned vertical-transportation (VT) systems in projects designed by her company, focusing on functionality, accessibility and safety.

SSP: What is the significance of elevators and escalators in projects designed by you or your company?

SG: Most multilevel buildings across various categories demand VT systems for functional efficiency, nowadays. We at CEM are at the forefront of executing some of the country’s most complex and large-scale infrastructure developments. We believe that VT systems are the key to efficient circulation and time management in large-scale infrastructure projects. Smooth vertical circulation is critical for success and functionality and for boosting the economic viability of such projects, increasing revenue potential. For specific projects, specialized requirements are planned based on functional demand and tailored interventions.

SSP: How would you describe the changing approach and philosophy toward construction and design? How do you plan to adapt to these changing needs? 

SG: The growing population and subsequent need for infrastructure have led us to rethink our approach to construction and design, with vertical growth becoming the face of real estate development in India. This has led to special attention and scrutiny towards vertical-circulation systems through a cognitive understanding of users’ stimulus to the built environment and the technology at hand. Today, users are looking for ease of access and circulation within a space, leading to tailored solutions in the VT Industry. 

SSP: Commercial and residential real estate projects have evolved over the years, and now elevators are becoming an integral part of developments, enhancing a niche segment for VT. Do you see VT’s significance evolving further? 

SG: VT is an integral part of the service core in residential and commercial projects. In the case of commercial projects such as offices, IT parks, retail stores, etc., the range of users and higher footfall make easy vertical circulation an important consideration while designing. VT has also become common in most residential projects, including single-family homes. The basics of safety and speed are well established in the construction and engineering community, and customization in finishes available is practically endless, allowing for design flexibility. As urban development becomes synonymous with sustainable vertical infrastructure, the significance of VT systems has grown exponentially in the last few years and is expected to continue.

SSP: Do you see any changes in the way elevators and escalators are positioned and operated with advanced technologies? What are the challenges you foresee as an architect in terms of synchronizing technologies in the spaces you design and build?

SG: Synchronizing VT and its integration with various modes that our buildings operate in raise plenty of design and operational questions that need to be considered during the early designing stage. Some key issues that we tend to integrate at design stages are security and safety within the building/facility, lowering energy consumption and emergency use and operation.

SSP: How has your experience of working with different segments of real estate been? What are challenges you face as an architect while building such spaces and incorporating VT?

SG: Elevator systems for people and materials are planned separately in most of our projects. Depending on their users, functions and requirements, different typologies of buildings require different VT solutions. For example, multilevel warehouses and storage units are integrated with elevators and VT systems based on the size and quantity of goods being stored or moved. In the case of labs, considerations are given to factors such as transporting laboratory samples in smaller units. In commercial, institutional and residential high rises, footfall is considered while designing elevators and escalators. Even within the same project, VT systems are required to cater to different functions, such as separate service and public elevators in commercial and hospitality segments to segregate functional spaces and circulation.

SSP: How does this impact decisions regarding elevator planning, positioning and selection? In addition to utility, do you also consider aspects like the ambiance?

SG: The selection of the appropriate VT system depends on the building’s typology, capacity and function. With the evolution of innovative technologies, many designers and clients are looking for energy-efficient and sustainable options today. In projects and typologies with higher public footfall and in the case of homes and residences, ambience becomes an important consideration. However, with the availability of many models and customizations in shape, size, finishes, etc., achieving an aesthetically pleasing elevator has become extremely easy.

SSP: What significance is given to elevators in current projects? Are the lift lobby and elevators included in the lifestyle amenities that will attract buyers?

SG: Being the first point of interaction in most buildings, an aesthetically pleasing lift lobby and well-designed VT system impacts the user’s experience of a building. Space and time optimization have become crucial considerations for architects and designers today, resolved by providing well-designed, smooth-running vertical circulation. VT systems determine the efficiency in the functioning of a building and help create an aesthetic first impression, hence affecting the buyer’s and user’s response significantly. With the availability of various options for customization, elevators and escalators can be integrated into the architectural design of a building, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. They can serve as focal points or design elements, contributing to the overall visual impact of the infrastructure project.

About Sneha Gurjar

With more than 15 years of extensive experience in designing and leading institutional, industrial, residential and infrastructural projects across the country, Sneha Gurjar is an architect of excellent professional aptitude. As a director at CEM Engineers, one of India’s leading comprehensive consultancies for master planning, architectural design, engineering and project management services, she has been instrumental in steering the growth trajectory of the firm over the past decade. Gurjar graduated from the TVB School of Habitat Studies in 2007 and, since then, has honed the perseverance and patience required for delivering large-scale developments. She is also an accomplished track and field athlete, an interest that contributes to her disciplined approach to professional life.

About CEM Engineers

CEM Engineers has extensive experience in a broad spectrum of projects, including townships, industrial, corporate, institutional, healthcare facilities and niche developments such as mission critical facilities, radiochemical laboratories, nuclear technology, communication infrastructure and blast-resistant facilities. With a diverse team of architects, engineers, project managers, scientists and subject experts, CEM Engineers works on highly technical and advanced aspects of construction. Exemplifying a practice that combines social and sustainable consciousness with robust designs and cutting-edge building technologies, the company aspires to be one of the most influential practices in India.