• Elevators
    • Passenger elevators
      • Overview

        As a leading elevator company, we've engineered our passenger elevators for various building applications, including residential, commercial and public transit.

      • Schindler 3000

        Our flexible passenger elevator solution that matches form with function. The perfect all-around passenger elevator for many different building types and uses.

      • Schindler 5000

        The Schindler 5000 passenger elevator integrates the latest technologies to deliver faster handling times for larger passenger volumes with optimum ride quality.

      • Schindler 6000

        The Schindler 6000 is our premium commercial elevator that combines the latest technology, high-end finishes, larger capacities and custom designs.

      • Schindler 7000

        Meet the Schindler 7000, our passenger elevator for high-rise buildings that exceeds the demanding specifications for tall structures.

      • Schindler Villa Lift

        The Schindler Villa Lift brings a new level of luxury to your family home. With stylish and contemporary design options, it offers unique comfort and opulence.

    • Freight & other elevators
      • Overview

        We provide appropriate solution for freight, goods & special requirements with various types of bed, glass, panoramic & service elevator.

      • Schindler 2600

        Discover the Schindler 2600 freight elevator for warehouses, shopping centers or industrial facilities. It makes lifting heavy loads a lightweight task.

    • 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
      • PORT elevator

        PORT Technology provides passengers with the lowest possible times to their destinations with the best possible comfort.

    • Building Transit Solutions
      • Overview

        An innovative solution also known as the Building Transit Integrator (BuilT-In) that streamlines operation and information flows across multiple applications, from facial recognition to security access system and robot services

      • BuilT-In Facial Recognition

        By integrating Schindler Transit Management System with facial recognition, BuilT-In brings about a whole new level of convenience.

      • BuilT-In QR

        BuilT-In QR PORT Access is a proprietary Schindler solution that includes the ‘BuilT-In QR’ mobile app, PORT terminals, QR readers and BuilT-In Visitor Management System.

      • BuilT-In Robot Service Connection

        With BuilT-In integration robots can easily navigate busy building environments, place elevator calls to their destination floors, and request elevator status information.

      • BuilT-In Landing Destination Indicator

        Advertisements and infotainments are slowly slotting in every corner of the building, no matter on a TV, touch-screen device, elevator door etc.

      • BuilT-In API

        The agile, powerful API enables building management to effectively analyse data and handle daily operations, from biometric access control to robotics applications and real-time passenger tracking.

    • Digital Media Services
      • Overview

        Our digital media services make it possible to turn your elevators into communication platforms. New possibilities to advertise!

      • Schindler Ahead MediaScreen

        This in-car media solution for elevators provides relevant information to your passengers in real-time, with minimal effort and maximum attention.

      • Schindler Ahead SmartMirror

        Our new in-elevator multimedia experience will change the way passengers enjoy their elevator ride.

      • Schindler Ahead AdScreen

        We created the Schindler Ahead AdScreen to maximize your advertising effect with every elevator trip.

    • CleanMobility
      • Overview

        Explore our solutions that help keep elevators sanitary and safe.

      • ElevateMe

        Our new Schindler ElevateMe mobile application gives elevator passengers the control to interact with elevators using their smartphones.

      • CleanCall

        Our Schindler CleanCall lets passengers select their destination with a simple wave of the hand.

      • CleanCover

        Schindler CleanCover is an antibacterial protective film that covers elevator cabin surfaces that are often touched by passengers, such as the buttons, panels, and walls.

      • kNOw Touch

        kNOw Touch easily replaces conventional touch-based buttons with a sensor interface that requires no physical contact to activate.

      • PORT Technology & myPORT

        Visitors navigate their way through buildings equipped with Schindler PORT and myPORT 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.

      • UV CleanCar

        Our Schindler UV CleanCar uses UV-C ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria and viruses in elevators reducing the risk transmission between passengers.

      • CleanSpace

        With Schindler CleanSpace, you can adjust the maximum load capacity in elevators to keep cars from becoming overcrowded.

  • Escalators & Moving walks
    • Escalators
      • Schindler 9300

        Enhanced safety features, energy efficiency, and space savings, the Schindler 9300 escalator defines state-of-the-art 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 9500 inclined

        Developed with shopping malls in mind, the Schindler 9500 inclined moving walk provides quiet and comfortable transportation from floor to floor.

      • Schindler 9500 horizontal

        Explore the Schindler 9500 horizontal moving walk, the ideal solution for public transportation.

    • Modernization
      • Overview

        Our professional and highly experienced technicians can modernize your escalators and moving walks from simply installing updated components to performing a full replacement.

      • InTruss

        The existing escalator/moving walk is extracted, keeping its truss in place. A new Schindler escalator or moving walk is assembled inside the existing truss.

    • Digital Media Services
      • Overview

        Utilizing the captive audience and dwell time, Schindler Digital Media Services will enhance the passengers experience with value adding content, information and entertainment.

      • Schindler Ahead AdSpot

        The urbanization of our world means we are traveling up and down a lot more frequently than ever before. So it is no surprise that our media is also going vertical.

    • CleanMobility
      • Overview

        At Schindler, we’re continuously developing solutions to help keep escalators and moving walks sanitary and safe.

      • Ultra UV & UV Pro

        Schindler Ultra UV and Ultra UV Pro help to keep handrails clean and reduce bacteria and viruses with an innovative and effective UV-C light system.

  • Services
  • Careers
    • Overview
    • Who we are
      • Overview

        Schindler’s mission is to keep the urban world moving.

      • 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.

      • Inclusion and diversity

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

    • Why Schindler
    • Work and grow at Schindler
      • Compensation and benefits

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

      • Professional development

        The key to maintaining our proud legacy of Swiss precision engineering, attention to detail, and quality is making sure that all our people – at every level – are trained and ready.

      • Leadership growth

        We strongly believe in fostering a corporate culture of continuous development and providing a platform where our employees can grow.

      • Career development

        We prioritize career development, offering tailored paths for growth and advancement. Explore diverse roles, acquire new skills, and seize opportunities for progression within our global organization.

      • International careers

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

      • 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.

    • Who we look for
      • Students and graduates

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

      • Experienced professionals

        Explore our open opportunities across various business functions, from engineering, IT, sales, and marketing, to communications, finance, quality management and HR, and embark on a thriving career with us.​

    • Open positions
  • Segments
  • References
  • Innovations
  • News and media relations
  • About us
Contact us

Elevator Design - 5 Tips To Help Your Project Go Smoothly

Elevator planning is a vital part of many building projects, but it’s not usually at the forefront of developers’ or architects’ minds. Here are our tips to help you find the best elevator design for your project and ensure a properly functioning building.


Elevators have something in common with other vital but unflashy technologies in our lives: we take them for granted. But, much like the internet or the hot water in your house, when elevators don’t function properly, we are quickly annoyed.

As elevators are often the overlooked heroes of a building, you probably won’t receive high praise for good elevator design. Still, it’s important to approach the design process carefully so all elements of the building work together like a well-drilled team.

Why is creating an elevator plan hard?

Put simply, because elevator design requires a high-level of attention to detail. The right elevator design varies depending on the size and type of building. There are hundreds of decisions to be made. A hospital may need separate elevators for patients and facilities staff. Tall buildings need fast, wide elevators to keep traffic moving smoothly. Elevators on cruise ships must be able to withstand the pitching and rolling of the ship caused by bad weather. And so it goes; each building has challenges the elevator must overcome.

What are the benefits of getting it right?

A good elevator plan helps a building to work efficiently and safely. Well-designed elevators also complement the overall look and feel of a space. This means passengers enjoy a seamless experience when moving through the building and using the elevators.

If elevator design isn’t handled correctly from the outset it can lead to costly delays later in the process. The worst-case scenario is a poor design that gets past the planning stage, into construction and, finally, operation. This can make life miserable for passengers. Elevators that are too few, too small or just plain ugly all detract from the user experience.

It’s normal for projects to have hiccups, but by following these tips you can avoid major setbacks and set yourself on the path to success.


Tip #1 - start early

Designing an elevator system is not something you can do at the last minute. Building design affects the elevator and vice versa.

It’s also important to remember that the entire process from design finalization to installation can be lengthy. And there’s always the chance your client will change their mind about something in the design. If you start early, you’ll have time to accommodate amendments with minimal stress.

Tip #2 - understand how the building is used

Good elevator design is based on a thorough understanding of how a building will be used. This means scrutinizing the brief and having detailed conversations with your client. They’re probably not aware of all the factors affecting elevators and the number of decisions that have to be made. It’s your job to ask the right questions and avoid nasty surprises.

Traffic analysis

Traffic analysis involves modeling expected passenger movement as accurately as possible so the required lift performance (including handling capacity and waiting time) can be properly judged. Important factors that must be considered:

  • How many people use the lifts?
  • What are the peak-use periods?
  • Are there busy locations such as restaurants and gyms?
  • Do people need to move large items around the building?
  • Do you need a dedicated lift for firefighters?
  • Does the elevator need to serve floors used for parking?
  • Should the elevators accommodate people with limited mobility?

Tip #3 - don’t forget the foundations and the roof

Travel speed impacts the elevator shaft dimensions, including pit size and headroom. This information must be incorporated into foundation planning. At the other end of the structure, will there be a machine room above the top floor? This affects roof design and building height.

To prepare drawings and get accurate cost estimates, you need to know the elevator dimensions as soon as possible. It’s vital not to start construction work without knowing the exact dimensions of the required elevators. If you do you can severely limit your choices later on. Ask yourself how fast your elevators need to be to serve the building properly. Generally, 20 to 45 seconds is considered the maximum acceptable time for an elevator to travel from the bottom to the top of a building (excluding any stops and travelling at full speed).

Tip #4 - consider aesthetics

Many clients don’t consider elevator interior design at all. That job might be left to you. An elevator interior should suit its use, its passengers and the overall aesthetic of the building.

An elevator is a functional system but also an extension of a building’s style. Choose suitable finishes that can withstand the expected traffic in the building. Where to start? For elevator wall panels and flooring, you can select from many options including stainless steel, laminate, glass, vinyl, carpet, and stone. Then there are custom finishes; the sky’s the limit here. Other things to consider include whether the finishes need to be easy to clean and if the floor needs to be anti-slip for trolleys and goods.

Lighting is another important factor. Get it right and you enhance the design while keeping energy consumption down. You should also consider mirrors, which can add to passenger comfort and safety. For example, to safely reverse a wheelchair out of an elevator.

Tip #5 - keep on top of regulations

Just like the building itself, both commercial and residential elevators have to meet local standards. There’s a mind-boggling array of regulations and safety codes and they’re being updated all the time. They vary between countries but can even vary between cities and regions in the same country.

There are international standards too. These include advice on size limits, minimum numbers of elevators, power usage, accessibility and inspection requirements.

If you design elevator systems for a particular region regularly, you may become familiar with the regulations in that location. If not, you’ll need to seek advice.


How to look like an elevator expert

Elevator design has always been a unique and challenging part of the building process, but the way it’s done is changing. The old way meant pouring over books of elevator specifications and asking more experienced colleagues for advice. Now there’s a faster, easier way.

The Schindler Plan & Design tool is an online application that takes the hassle out of elevator design. It’s simple to use, requires no knowledge of our products and covers aspects of elevator design you might not have even considered.

Plan and design your elevators, then download specifications, technical drawings and 3D BIM models. If you have any questions, you can quickly connect with a consultant online. Schindler Plan & Design is the easy way to look like an elevator design expert, even if you’re not.