Lifts in the UK very rarely vary by design. But across the rest of the world engineers have been getting creative on how they design elevators. You wouldn’t think there wasn’t much room for variety on a box that travels up and down a shaft; but after flirting with imagination, engineers have created some truly fascinating lifts that have to be seen to be believed.
Let’s take a look at some more unique lift designs around the world:
Oregon Municipal Elevator
This unique lift in Oregon City links the lower part of the city along the banks of the Willamette River with the upper part atop the basalt cliffs. The outdoor lift is the only one of its kind in the USA. Constructed in 1915, the lift was initially water powered and took 3-minutes to scale the 130-foot cliff. The new electrical system – installed in 1955 – manages the same journey in just 15 seconds.
Sky Tower
This popular tourist attraction in the city of Auckland, New Zealand is definitely not for those scared of heights. Each of the lifts four cars features a glass-bottomed panel, where thrill seekers can view the city from a unique perspective as they scale the 70-story building.
Bailong Elevator
The Wulingyuan area of Zhangjiajie, China is home to the tallest outdoor elevator in the world. Meaning ‘Hundred Dragons Elevator’ the Bailong is built into the face of a cliff and climbs a breath-taking 1000 feet. At the top, viewers get a perfect view of the 2600 feet tall massive quartzite sandstone pillars.
Louvre Elevator
Paris’s home of some of the world’s greatest pieces of art is also home to one of the most intriguing elevators. The open-topped hydraulically powered elevator transports guests in and out of the Louvre in absolute silence. The ride is complimented by an automatic slide-out walkway that greets passengers at the end of their ride.
We can’t help but think these lifts take some serious lift maintenance.