Elevator World

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

40-STORY RESORT-STYLE TOWER GREENLIT IN GUATEMALA

Real Estate Developments Izabal won approval from local authorities, including the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, to build the 40-story, 136-unit Torre Manatí on the Inner Bay of Santo Tomás de Castilla in Izabal, Guatemala, Soy 502 reports. Torre Manatí is set to rise in Puerto Barrio, described by developers as "a high-impact area for commerce, industry and tourism" with ties to the Caribbean, the U.S. and Europe. Becoming the tallest tower in the country, the US$40-million project will include private amenities such as a top-floor pool, gym and white sand beach. Additionally, shops, a bar, a marina and a helipad are on the drawing board. A construction timeframe was not provided.

Image credit: courtesy of Real Estate Development Izabal

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

THYSSENKRUPP CANADA UPGRADES OFFERINGS AT ONTARIO CENTER

thyssenkrupp Elevator Canada has upgraded its Scarborough, Ontario, Engineering Centre into an International Technical Services (ITS) Centre offering third-party maintenance support, the company announced on October 1. The former Engineering Centre, at 270 Finchdene Square, underwent a multimillion-dollar expansion in 2019, offering new installation and modernization engineering, Canadian board repair, elevator simulators, a showroom and a warehouse. That expansion also brought construction and modernization teams, as well as a branch office, under one roof. As the new ITS, it adds field engineering support; specialized support services; additional training and documentation; diagnostic and specialty tools; board and drive repair; and new product support and collaboration, for thyssenkrupp as well as competitors' elevators and escalators.

Image credit: courtesy of thyssenkrupp Elevator Canada

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

TOSHIBA DESTINATION-CONTROL SYSTEM WINS iF DESIGN AWARD

Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corp.’s FLOORNAVI was one of only 75 submissions out of 7,298 worldwide to win a Gold iF Design award. The destination-control system allows passengers to specify destination floors before boarding elevators, reducing travel times, especially during peak use. Its ring-shaped icons and chest-high operations are designed for comfortable use. Based in Hanover, Germany, the nonprofit iF Design Foundation has built a reputation for its annual awards program that has grown to more than 6,000 entries annually, judged by a jury of more than 60 design experts worldwide. "Toshiba has designed an efficient elevator (destination) control system in line with universal design to cater to the needs of able and disabled people,” the jury said in a statement. “[Artificial intelligence] allows floor destinations to be bundled effectively, reducing waiting time. The simple and easy interface is readily adaptable to various architecture contexts."

Image credit: courtesy of iF World Design Guide

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

CHENNAI, INDIA, METRO INSTALLS FOOT CONTROLS FOR LIFTS

The metro rail system in Chennai, India, is installing foot-operated controls for elevators at the 32 stations of the 45-km line, the Times of India reported on September 28. In addition, foot-operated elevators are being installed at the nine stations of the metro's 9-km Phase 1 expansion, which will link part of North Chennai to the system and is scheduled to open by the end of 2020. The project was initiated at 20 stations, including the busiest, Alandur, Central and Airport. The remaining 12 were expected to be finished by the end of this week. The new mechanisms allow commuters using elevators to tap a button on the floor of the lift with their feet, rather than touch a button that could harbor pathogens.

Image credit: courtesy of Chennai Metro

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

OTIS GLOBAL PROGRAM TO MENTOR STEM STUDENTS

Otis has launched a new global corporate social responsibility program focused on advancing youth science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and inclusive mobility solutions, the company announced on September 29. Made to Move Communities™ is an annual global student challenge designed to inspire creative, STEM-based solutions for mobility issues. Students in the program's first year will focus on mobility solutions for communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will explore solutions that enhance connectivity and productivity, education, employment, medical care and social services. These solutions could, for example, address challenges with public transportation or mobility access for those with disabilities. Made to Move Communities will join with community and business partners to build a diverse talent pipeline and involve hundreds of dedicated employee mentorship hours and STEM program grants. The program will launch in phases across each of Otis' four geographic regions beginning in October and continuing through March 2021. Schools from Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Spain and the U.S. are participating in the inaugural program, and Otis plans to increase the number of locations, students and employees involved each year.

Image credit: courtesy of Otis

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

JOURNAL REPORTS ON CORONAVIRUS/ELEVATORS STUDY

The professional journal Indoor Air published a report on September 23 detailing an investigation into how long aerosol droplets of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 persist in hospital elevators and offered specific measures to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease. The investigators, funded by the University of Amsterdam, found that it took 12-18 min for the number of particles to diminish 100-fold, both in medium-sized and large elevator cars, but that time was reduced significantly when the doors were left open. As a result of the tests, the authors offered suggestions like adjusting the doors so they stay open longer and mechanically altering ventilation systems. Rather than exhausting air through the top of the car into the hoistway (as is the case in many hospital elevators), the proposed alteration draws in fresh, filtered air from the hoistway. They also suggested extending the length of time ventilation fans operate after the car has gone idle.

Image credit: by Gerd Altmann for Pixabay

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

ZHA-DESIGNED TOWER IN HONG KONG PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS

Contactless elevators and a smart building-management system that create a contactless path "from street to workstation" are only the start of the remarkable features being incorporated into a 190-m-tall, 36-story office tower designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) in Hong Kong, Architects' Journal reports. Under construction in the Financial District on a former parking facility, the building is being built of high-tensile steel and will have a curved glass façade inspired by a Bauhinia bud (the Hong Kong orchid tree). Henderson Land Development paid the equivalent of approximately US$2.79 billion for the plot — a record-breaking amount — at 2 Murray Road. Connecting with adjacent public gardens and parks, the structure will feature a raised base sheltering courtyards and gardens, a Sky Garden outdoor recreational space and a "hybrid ventilation" system allowing all offices to be naturally ventilated and dehumidified. Developers are working with Arup to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and WELL Platinum certifications.

Image credit: courtesy of ZHA

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

KONE TO SUPPLY ELEVATORS FOR LUXURY TOWER IN DUBAI

KONE has won an order to supply 17 elevators to B4 Grande, a new high-end residential tower in Dubai, the company announced on September 24. The 287-m, 72-story skyscraper under construction in the Opera Downtown District will offer 882 luxury apartments, plus amenities and retail outlets. The apartment floorplans range from one to four bedrooms, with large penthouses on the highest floors. KONE will deliver 13 MiniSpace™, three MonoSpace® and one KONE Motala™ elevators. The company will also supply its Infotainment screen and E-Link™ system, a facility-management tool. B4 Grande is being developed by Emaar Properties and is scheduled for completion in 2022. The main contractor is China State Construction, and architectural services are being provided by WSP.

Image credit: courtesy of KONE

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

EW PROJECT OF THE YEAR ENTRY DEADLINE OCTOBER 16

The deadline for submissions to the ELEVATOR WORLD Project of the Year Awards 2021 is October 16. The contest recognizes excellence in vertical, horizontal and inclined transportation. Winners in each of nine categories will receive an award and be recognized in a feature story in the January 2021 issue. Entries can be made in “Elevators, New Construction”; “Elevators, Modernization”; “Escalators, New Construction”; “Escalators, Modernization”; “Moving Walks”; “Inclined Elevators”; “Platform Lifts & Stairway Chairlifts”; “Private-Residence Elevators”; and “Special-Purpose Lifts.” The contest is open for projects that have been completed within the past two years, and both text and photos must be submitted, along with a completed entry form. To download the form and obtain more information, visit https://www.elevatorworld.com/poy/

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINES FOR PHILADELPHIA MEGADEVELOPMENT

Construction timelines for a trio of 28-, 34- and 14-story towers making up the Schuylkill Yards megadevelopment in West Philadelphia's University City have been released, Philadelphia YIMBY reports. The first building scheduled to break ground is a 28-story tower at 3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Aiming to break ground this fall and be complete in 2023, the structure will feature a "sleek gray façade" that will stand out on the Philadelphia skyline. After it's completed, the tallest, 34-story tower is set to break ground at 3001 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, with the third, 14-story tower expected to break ground around the same time. Brandywine Realty Trust is the developer of the project, with 6 million ft2 of residential, commercial, retail, green and laboratory spaces on the drawing board.

Image credit: courtesy of SHoP Architects and West 8 Urban Design

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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