Session 7: Future-Proofing People Flow in Tall Buildings

Steve Gonzalez
Director
KONE, Chicago

Modern tall buildings are often full of examples of the latest technological solutions, representing the brand and ambition of their designers, developers, and anchor tenants. Regardless of the technological solutions chosen, the decision-making process around them should start as early as possible and take the entire building life cycle into account. Solutions that influence the way people move through both new and existing tall buildings are no exception. In fact, optimizing people flow is becoming an increasingly important consideration as our cities continue to urbanize and buildings themselves become more densely populated. Business needs and technological solutions are also changing rapidly, with a trend towards more flexible and adaptable solutions that place user experience and energy efficiency at the top of the priority list.

Vertical transportation control methodology has been developing in response to the increasing need for more adaptable and flexible workspaces with non-assigned desks and greater people density. Along with traditional up and down traffic peaks, mixed traffic situations are increasing and intelligent systems that use smart algorithms are needed to optimize elevator routes and ensure smooth people flow. Furthermore, modern equipment needs to effectively communicate with users, save energy, and meet the future needs of tenants—which will also bring long-term success for developers. When considering future-proof technologies, it is important to understand their impact and potential benefits throughout a building’s life cycle.