• Elevators
    • Passenger elevators
      • Schindler 1000

        The Schindler 1000 is our practical passenger elevator for low-rise residential buildings. It's simple to plan, fast to install, and economical to maintain.

      • Schindler 3000

        The Schindler 3000 is our all-round passenger elevator that matches form with function. It's the perfect elevator for different building types and uses.

      • Schindler 5500

        Find out how the Schindler 5500, our mid-rise passenger elevator for commercial buildings, lifts functionality and style to the next level.

      • Schindler 7000

        The Schindler 7000 is our premium passenger elevator for high-rise buildings that exceeds the demanding specifications for tall structures and skyscrapers.

    • Freight & special elevators
    • Modernization & upgrades
      • Overview

        Explore our comprehensive elevator modernization and building renovation solutions; engineered to enhance your elevator's performance and aesthetics.

      • ReStore solution

        Restore your elevator with our modernization solution which replaces critical electrical components to upgrade the efficiency and performance of your equipment.

      • ReNew solution

        Renew your elevator with our modernization solution including a new controller, inverter, fixtures, and machine upgrade to ensure a smoother ride experience.

      • RePlace solution

        Replace your existing elevator with our modernization replacement solutions. Enjoy improved equipment operation, plus digitally enhanced mobility.

      • Individual components

        Upgrade individual elevator components like drives and cabin doors to reduce operating costs, satisfy tenants and increase your long-term property value.

    • Destination control
      • Overview

        Schindler PORT is a destination dispatch system that offers access control, personalized services, optimizes building traffic, and improves energy savings.

      • Schindler PORT Elevator

        Schindler PORT Elevator is our advanced destination dispatch system that ensures minimal waiting times and optimal passenger comfort.

      • Schindler PORT Access

        PORT Access offers seamless transitions from elevators to secure terminals, ensuring convenient access control for a hassle-free experience.

      • myPORT

        Schindler myPORT is an app facilitating seamless building navigation through personalized elevator calls, access, and visitor management.

      • Destination Control Technology

        Learn more about, Miconic 10, a revolutionary control system that groups passengers, and Schindler ID, our unique human interface system architecture.

    • Digital Media Services
      • Overview

        Our digital media services transform elevators into communication platforms, offering a creative opportunity to advertise and entertain elevator users.

      • Schindler Ahead MediaScreen

        Our Schindler Ahead MediaScreen solution inside and outside the elevator cabin provides relevant information to your passengers in real-time.

      • Schindler Ahead SmartMirror

        Our Schindler Ahead SmartMirror in-elevator multimedia solution is both: a mirror and screen for passenger entertainment or information.

      • Schindler Ahead AdScreen

        Our Schindler Ahead AdScreen solution maximizes your advertising impact with a special display screen inside the elevator cabin.

    • CleanMobility
      • Overview

        Explore our solutions that help keep elevators sanitary and safe.

      • ElevateMe App

        With Schindler’s ElevateMe mobile app, building tenants and guests can call an elevator and select their destination right from their smartphones.

      • Schindler PORT & myPORT

        With Schindler PORT and myPORT, your visitors can navigate their way through the building's elevator using only their phone or personal access card.

      • UV CleanAir

        With Schindler UV CleanAir, the air in elevator cabins is sanitized and cycled more frequently and efficiently.

    • Packages
      • Overview

        Our elevator packages are designed to upgrade your building's elevator with a variety of options for improved comfort, accessibility or practicality.

      • Office

        Our Office package for elevators helps ensure hassle-free and efficient vertical mobility solutions for office buildings, especially during peak office hours.

      • Security

        Our Security package makes the most of your elevator to optimize tenant security and wellbeing, and as an active agent in combatting burglary and intrusion.

    • Design options
      • Linea 800 SmartTouch

        Our Linea 800 SmartTouch features three full HD screens and the mirrored glass panel transforms your elevator interaction into a unique, visual experience.

      • Catalog

        Create your own elevator car interior design. Find the ideal fit for functional, sophisticated, and innovative interior architecture concepts.

    Plan & Design
  • Escalators & Moving walks
    • Escalators
      • Schindler 9300

        The Schindler 9300 escalator with enhanced safety features, energy efficiency, and space savings is ideal for moving people in commercial & public spaces.

      • Schindler 9700

        The Schindler 9700 escalator is the ideal mobility solution for large public spaces with high-traffic demands, like airports and train stations.

    • Moving walks
      • Schindler 9500AE inclined

        The Schindler 9500AE inclined moving walk was developed especially for shopping malls, providing quiet and comfortable transportation from floor to floor.

      • Schindler 9500 horizontal

        The Schindler 9500 horizontal moving walk is ideal for meeting the public transportation requirements of facilities like airports and subway stations.

    • Modernization
      • Overview

        Our skilled technicians offer comprehensive modernization services for escalators and moving walks, ranging from updating components to complete replacements.

      • Full replacement

        Upgrade your property by replacing your older equipment with new, cutting-edge Schindler 9300 or Schindler 9700 escalators or with Schindler 9500 moving walks.

      • InTruss

        With Schindler InTruss, we extract the existing escalator or moving walk, keeping its truss in place. A new unit is then assembled inside the existing truss.

      • Kits

        We offer modernization kits in all areas: safety, energy consumption, and appearance. Update your escalators and moving walks, quickly and easily.

    • CleanMobility
      • Ultra UV & UV Pro

        Our Schindler Ultra UV and Ultra UV Pro solution helps keep handrails clean and reduces bacteria and viruses with an innovative and effective UV-C light system.

    Plan & Design
  • Services
    Plan & Design
  • Careers
    • Overview
    • Who we are
      • People

        Learn about the people, traditions, and values that motivate us to tackle the urban mobility challenges of the 21st century.

      • Inclusion and diversity

        Our global presence gives us access to the full spectrum of human diversity – reinforcing our ability to adapt and innovate.

      • Society

        Help us transform the world. We’re looking for driven professionals ready to solve society’s most pressing urban mobility challenges.

      • Our values

        Our values are the foundation of everything we do, and allow us to remain a leading global player in the elevator and escalator industry.

      • Facts and figures

        Discover the facts behind what makes Schindler a great company to work for.

    • Why Schindler
      • Compensation and benefits

        Discover more about Schindler employee compensation packages and benefits – competitive salaries are just the start!

      • Work-life balance

        Finding the right balance between work and life can be tough. We make it easier through flexible modern policies designed to meet diverse needs.

      • Training

        The key to maintaining Schindler’s proud legacy is by making sure that all our people – at every level – remain trained and ready.

      • Career development program

        Discover how we take our most talented young professionals on an international and multidisciplinary 6-year journey to help their careers flourish.

      • International careers

        International assignments are a key part of how we develop our people. Grow your career internationally with Schindler.

    • Who we look for
      • Experienced professionals

        Whether you’re a lift technician or an engineer, we need people with experience and skill. Seasoned professionals make our elevator service company great!

      • Students and graduates

        Explore the extensive possibilities for students and recent graduates at Schindler.

    • Open positions
    Plan & Design
  • Segments
  • Innovations
  • References
  • Blog
  • About us
    • Company Profile
    • History
    • Management
    • Advisory Board
    • Vision & Values
    • Code of Conduct
    • Social Responsibility
      • Overview

        The purpose of each enterprise is to create ‘shared value’. At Schindler we believe that we not only create value for stakeholders but for society at large.

      • Sustainable Communities

        Through our sustainable communities project, we intend to promote safe & child friendly sites, where children are safe, healthy & educated and enjoying their childhood.

      • Education

        Our Scholarship program Schindler Igniting Minds intends to promote technical education among the youth, by providing scholarships to meritorious students.

      • Employee Volunteering - Muskaan

        Through Muskaan, we provide volunteering opportunities to our people who are keen to engage in skill-based, short-term & longer-term volunteering projects.

    • Safety
      • Overview

        Safety is implicit in our products & services. We do not compromise on the safety & health of those who use our products or work for our business.

      • Tips for riders & owners

        Enjoy safe and pleasant, elevator and escalator rides by following these safety tips from Schindler.

      • Tips for kids

        Please follow these safety tips for kids. Parents, share these tips with your children today so they can enjoy safe and pleasant, elevator and escalator rides.

    • Elevator & Escalator Factory
    Plan & Design
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  • Contact
Plan & Design

Never underestimate the challenges of elevator design

If you’ve planned a couple of elevator systems in a project already, it’s easy to think you’ve seen it all. But every elevator design project involves unique challenges. Make sure you’re prepared.


As you can imagine, getting people up and down such a monumental structure must have been among the architects’ primary concerns. Where would you even start with such a project?

The first principle, whether you’re working on a small apartment block or a towering skyscraper, is to approach each elevator plan with fresh eyes. Here are some of the main challenges to consider next time you have to add an elevator to your design.


Finding the information you need

An elevator project is requiring bespoke engineering and a huge amount of planning. How much detail do you think the client’s initial brief contained about the elevators? Not a huge amount.

No matter the project size, it is up to you to fill in the gaps by asking the right questions and making suggestions. Where do you get the information you need? The obvious answer is from colleagues, online research and past experience. The first two are time-consuming and the third, on its own, exposes you to the risk of not being thorough. Thankfully, there’s now a fourth option (more on that later).

Avoiding delays

Designing new buildings is complicated and there are many opportunities for delay. If you don’t give commercial or residential elevators proper consideration, you could be adding to your list of woes. Spend more time getting the design right early on and save yourself valuable time later in the project.

Don’t forget, things are bound to change. Have you heard the story about the client who decided, in the middle of construction, to install a concert hall above the ground floor? Just like that, the existing elevator system was no longer fit for purpose. It had to be completely redesigned to incorporate an elevator large enough to move a grand piano.

Choosing the right elevator interior

In some buildings, the elevators are purely functional. In others, the elevator interior design is a standout feature. For major, one-off projects, the only limit is your imagination (and the brief and budget, of course). You might opt for a screen that fills the entire wall of your elevator; a glass floor.

Whatever look you choose, it needs to suit the building’s use. The owners of a luxury hotel want to move their passengers around in comfort and style. In a busy retail center, the primary concern is likely to be durability and size. If you’re aiming for a hi-tech style, you might consider smart mirrors or an infotainment system. In this digital era, you could make use of the digital media services to turn elevators and escalators into communication platform. You are now able to have the new ways to inform, entertain and communicate with passengers, tenants and customers.

Choosing the right elevator interior

Taking all that into account could be rather overwhelming. Especially as elevator design can be perceived as a less exciting part of a building project. But now there is a better way to design elevators. (Remember the ‘fourth option’ we mentioned above?)

The Schindler Plan & Design tool is a free online planning tool that makes it simple to configure and design your elevator or escalator in minutes. It takes you through a step-by-step process covering every aspect of elevator design, including:

  • Travel height/distance
  • Speed
  • Capacity
  • Elevator door type options
  • Power supply needs
  • Finishes and fixtures
  • Seismic provisions

Using the information you provide, Schindler Plan & Design makes suggestions about the number of elevators you need and the model that suits your building. We regularly update Schindler Plan & Design with the latest regulations, so whether the system you’re designing is two stories tall or 20, you can be sure you’re leaving nothing to chance.


Want to learn more about elevator design?

We know there are a lot of things to keep track of when designing an elevator. To help, we created a resource site with a lot of information that will prepare you for your next elevator or escalator project.

Or if you want to test your ideas, visit our Plan and Design tool and start creating!