Despite their modern-day prevalence, elevators have a long history that dates back thousands of years. Understanding historical context can often provide us with insight into modern day building practices, which is why we’ll begin by providing a brief history of elevators, focusing on how they came to exist in their modern-day iteration.
Elevators are an enduring technology, one that humans have long relied on for convenience and accessibility. Like most popular technology, elevator infrastructure has evolved to accommodate modern needs, especially when it pertains to architecture. While certain aspects of elevator construction remain timeless, contemporary architecture, and trending styles, have once again influenced how we go about building and installing elevators. In this blog post, we’ll explore the process behind building modern day elevators in 2026, providing tips and guidance for how to best optimize their performance and aesthetics from an architectural perspective.
When one hears the word “elevator” their mind probably conjures up an image of standard models encountered regularly in daily life. However, elevators have roots in ancient practices, stemming as far back as 236 B.C. when ancient Greeks developed hoisting systems that relied heavily on ropes and capstans for elevating goods. While those systems are a far cry from modern day elevators, they did help to inform the idea that materials and goods, particularly those that are heavy, could be elevated and moved in a more practical manner.
Centuries later in 1857, the first passenger elevator was unveiled in New York at the Haughwout Department Store. Earlier in the 1800’s elevators had started to appear in American society, however, at that juncture, they exclusively dealt with lifting goods and materials- not people. This would change after Elisha Otis invented the safety break, making it possible for passenger elevators to operate safely.
Prior to the turn of the century, elevators relied on steam to function. This would change with the advent of skyscrapers which rose to architectural prominence in the early 1900’s. Transitioning from steam power to electric power shortly followed, and suddenly, elevators became far more widespread.
As the century moved forward, so did the production of elevators. Elevators became a widespread convenience, featuring in all sorts of different buildings. Today’s elevators are everywhere from residential homes to high rises, operating under computer controls with multiple safety nets. A far cry from the early 1800’s, today’s elevators are known for being fast, smooth, and quiet.
Modern Day Elevators and the Importance of Adhering to Regulations and Codes.
Throughout their history, elevators have served a key role in making daily life more convenient. In modern times, a pivotal component of cultivating that convenience relies on ensuring that all humans have equitable access to elevators.
In order to guarantee that elevators meet current-day standards and demands of accessibility, several regulations and codes have been put in place over the years. Architects should always familiarize themselves with these regulations and codes irrespective of their direct involvement in installing elevators, because failure to comply can lead to consequences of legal and civil nature. But most importantly, an inaccessible or improperly constructed elevator can cause potential harm and injury to those who use it.
Certain locations within the United States have their own set of unique regulations, however, a national framework has been put in place to create and uphold federal standards.
Two key accessibility standards worth knowing are:
- ADA Standards / ADAAG — Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, which define federal accessibility requirements for buildings and facilities.
- ANSI A117.1 — Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, a technical standard published by the International Code Council (ICC) and ANSI that includes detailed requirements for accessible routes, ramps, doors, elevators, and platform lifts.
Adhering strongly to these guidelines can help create elevators that function equitably for everyone. This includes cultivating:
- Proper car dimensions, allowing space for wheelchairs and other mobility devices,
- Door considerations, particularly pertaining to width, timing, and force,
- Intelligent control panel layout,
- Optimized visual, audible, and tactile signals,
- Raised characters and Braille on control panels to support blind and low‑vision users,
- Easily navigable emergency systems.
In addition to honoring internationally recognized regulations, US architects need to be mindful of other supplemental national codes such as the Americans with Disabilities, The ADA ensures the civil liberties of Americans living with disabilities, and this extends to the usage of elevators.
As elevators have evolved, so have the codes and regulations surrounding them and their use. Therefore, architects who will be implementing elevators into their building design need to be acutely aware of what’s required from a regulatory standpoint, often working closely with providers offering professional elevator design services to ensure compliance.
Shaping the Building- How to Choose the Proper Elevator Type.
As curators of a building, architects are tasked with making choices that create cohesion both stylistically and practically. Elevators play a key role in the design of any given building, which is why choosing a proper visual is of the utmost importance. It might seem like elevators are strictly concerned with one singular task; however, the elevator you choose will further inform building form, structural coordination, energy performance, acoustic comfort, and long-term flexibility. As a central artery of many buildings, elevator systems, often directly influence design outcomes, making modern day elevator design an essential architectural consideration.
Architects should therefore never underestimate just how pivotal of a role elevators play in building design.
Speaking of building design, the type of building itself plays a key role in determining which elevator type is optimal. In this postmodern era of construction we see a lot of high-rise and mid-rise buildings being constructed to help accommodate the ever-growing population. Many older buildings — including historically significant ones — are now undergoing modernization and retrofitting. In these cases, the architect must select the appropriate elevator model based on the project’s overall goals, often requiring architectural elevator design support to balance preservation with performance. For example, is the building being fully renovated, or are certain structural or aesthetic elements intended to be preserved?
Certain types of elevators work best for specific buildings. For example, hydraulic elevators are a standard choice for low rises because they’re relatively cost effective and have a simple mechanical design. They are often also featured in small residential buildings, clinics, schools or community centers.
Whereas traction elevators tend to work well in mid- and high-rise buildings because their design is inherently energy efficient and scalable. They’re often utilized in office buildings and hotels, offering the best combination of performance, adaptability and efficiency in modern buildings.
Ultimately, it’s up to the architect to determine which elevator type makes the most sense for the building in question, often through custom modern elevator planning and layout that aligns technical requirements with architectural vision. Hence why it’s imperative for architects to educate themselves on the different types of elevators and their corresponding features and characteristics.
The Ever-Increasing Role of Sustainability & Energy Performance in Modern Elevators
Over the course of the past several decades, sustainability and energy performance have become increasingly important features in modern day building design. In the vast majority of cases, elevators are now calibrated to work alongside a building’s energy efficiency model. For many architects and developers this means taking the necessary steps to integrate solid sustainability practices into their designs. Moreover, sustainability practices are becoming more sophisticated as time goes on, meaning they’re continually evolving based on new information and key research insights.
In 2026, the push towards prioritizing sustainability has become increasingly commonplace. The modern architect should therefore work towards familiarizing themselves with different sustainability solutions and finding the right fit for the specific building in question. Sustainability is not just something that helps the immediate structure it services, but it also stands to benefit the larger community.
One such practice that is now being regularly utilized in elevators are regenerative drives. Modern day traction elevators are increasingly equipped with this technology, and for good reason. They capture energy produced during the braking process, siphon it, and feed it back into the building’s electrical system.
This simple but effective process helps to reduce net energy consumption, lower heat generation in machine rooms, and improve the overall system efficiency. Architects can consult with electrical engineers early on, to determine if such a system can be implemented effectively.
Another modern sustainability practice to consider is a standby power reduction method. Because elevators spend more time in a state of idleness versus actually moving, sensible solutions like curating sleep-mode settings, installing energy efficient lighting, and other smart activation systems can help reduce the overall energy draw. These are just a couple of ways in which sustainability can be prioritized, and in 2026, there have never been more options available for creating environmentally friendly elevators.
Modern Approaches to Retrofitting
Modernization practices don’t just apply to brand new builds. In 2026 it is both routine and commonplace to see pre-existing buildings receive upgrades. This process is often referred to as retrofitting and occurs when an architect goes in retroactively to equip a pre-existing building with modern touches and innovations.
Architects are often tasked with retrofitting projects, which will have them making changes and adaptations to establish structures. A lot of times we see this happening on historical structures, aging residential complexes, and offices erected during the mid-century modern architecture era. In these cases, the task at hand often involves ushering these older buildings into a newer era in terms of accessibility and functionality. Sometimes this will lead to an entire overhaul of a building. At other times, the idea is to maintain structural integrity and stylistic flair, while still incorporating modern conveniences. In a lot of cases, elevators are one of the first structural components evaluated, especially because their technology has improved substantially within a few short decades.
When executed properly, a new elevator, or an upgraded elevator can create new uses, dramatically improve accessibility, and prolong a building’s lifespan. On the contrary, if gone about improperly, architectural integrity can be compromised and/or projects can halt, coming to a standstill.
Unlike a brand-new build, retro fitting can sometimes pose unique issues. Especially if the overall goal is to maintain the essence of a building. This is why it’s vitally important for architects to take their time and thoroughly assess the options available. Often times this includes working within the boundaries of pre-existing infrastructure. This process can become even trickier if there are certain stipulations in place, which is very common when working on historical buildings. For example, architects may have to work around areas like stair halls, sightlines and finishes that have been ordered to be preserved. Historical buildings also often have protections in place which require a thorough review and approval process to take place before work can begin.
Bottom line, modern technological advances regarding elevators have made it a lot easier to integrate elevators into pre-existing structures. Nevertheless, architects should always abide by the necessary guidelines and processes even if they are time-consuming and seem otherwise frivolous.
Prioritize Safety Practices and Emergency Planning
Many early versions of passenger elevators were revolutionary, but not necessarily from a safety standpoint. Modern technology has ushered in a new era of failsafe’s and safety nets, making elevators safer than ever.
While a lot of emphasis is usually put on accessibility and features that promote greater convenience, it is always important to remember that safety is also of paramount importance, and in elevators are still a relatively new invention. And yet, they’ve managed to dramatically improve by nearly every metric over the course of their existence. With artificial intelligence and other breakthrough technologies becoming increasingly more effective, it stands to reason that elevators will only continue to improve at a rapid rate. As an architect, it will only ever benefit you to stay current and well versed in the newest technical advancements.
In 2026, the goal is to not only create elevators that are convenient and comfortable but also designed to demonstrate efficiency in moments of emergency. Elevators can easily become vulnerable when confronted with fire emergencies, medical emergencies, flooding, and energy failures. Therefore, it is important to create contingency plans for the aforementioned scenarios, even if their likelihood is incredibly small. Fortunately, there are a lot of modern-day safety features that can be included in all kinds of elevator installations. This is where attention to detail can save lives, which often looks like investing in state-of-the-art technologies, familiarizing oneself with regulations and always staying up to date with modern building codes.
Look Towards the Future
In 2026, technology moves rapidly. Every day, new innovations are being discovered and existing technologies improved upon. Architects should regularly and routinely make a concerted effort to research and familiarize themselves with new developments, especially when they pertain to elevators.
In the grand scheme of things, modern elevators are still a relatively new invention. And yet, they’ve managed to dramatically improve by nearly every metric over the course of their brief existence. With artificial intelligence and other breakthrough technologies becoming increasingly more effective, it stands to reason that elevators will only continue to improve at a rapid rate. As an architect, it will only ever benefit you to stay current and well versed in the newest technical advancements.
About Day Elevator & Lift, a KLEEMANN Company
DAY Elevator & Lift, a KLEEMANN Company, specializes in the consultation, design, and installation of elevators, lifts, and a wide range of accessibility products and solutions for both residential and commercial use. As a trusted partner for homeowners, contractors, builders, developers, and architects, we focus on convenience, safety, and full ADA compliance, ensuring seamless integration of our product solutions into a single-family home, a multi-unit community, a commercial building such as office buildings, airports, stadiums, shopping centers, theatres, museums, industrial facilities. DAY Elevator & Lift will partner with you through every phase of your project.
By joining forces with KLEEMANN, one of the most important manufacturers in the global market, our list of high-quality services has grown. We are proud to embody KLEEMANN’s renowned commitment to excellence, delivering top-tier products and cutting-edge solutions for both people and freight.
Author
This article was developed with the support of the Day Elevator & Lift team.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Elevator and lift systems are complex machines, and all installations, repairs, and inspections must be performed by a licensed and qualified technician. Always consult a professional to ensure your equipment complies with local building codes and safety requirements.
Your Technical Partner in Modern Design
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Architects
1. What are the primary accessibility codes I need to follow for elevator design in 2026?
Architects must primarily follow two key accessibility standards:
- ADA Standards / ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines) — the federal accessibility requirements that govern building and facility design.
- ANSI A117.1 (Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities) — the ICC/ANSI technical standard that provides detailed requirements for accessible routes, ramps, doors, elevators, and platform lifts.
For project‑specific guidance, you can contact Day Elevator & Lift to discuss the relevant regulations and codes to ensure proper compliance for your building.
2. How do I choose between a hydraulic and a traction elevator for a new project?
Building height is one factor, but the right choice depends on the project’s overall requirements. Hydraulic elevators are often selected for low‑rise buildings because they offer lower installation costs and straightforward construction. Traction elevators are preferred for higher travel and energy efficiency. For a deeper dive into these specifications, you can read our guide on choosing the right passenger lift for your building. Architects typically evaluate travel distance, traffic demands, and budget to determine which system best aligns with the building’s goals.2
3. Can I install a modern elevator in a historical building without ruining the aesthetic?
Yes, through a process called retrofitting. This allows architects to integrate modern technology and accessibility features while preserving historical sightlines and finishes.