The Evolution of Elevator Technology in Tall Buildings: Race from Steam Lifts to Modern Elevators

초록

Vertical transportation systems are foundational to the development of tall buildings and the evolution of high-density cities. This article traces the technological advancements of elevators from early mechanical devices to today's intelligent, energyefficient systems, emphasizing their role in increasing building height and urban complexity. Through a chronological review, it examines the high points of the elevator's trajectory of growth, including the development of the safety elevator, electric traction systems, machine-room-less (MRL) designs, regenerative drives, and the groundbreaking ropeless multi-directional elevators (MULTI) using magnetic levitation (maglev) technology. Drawing on case studies of recent skyscrapers such as the One World Trade Center in New York, Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, and Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the study highlights how vertical mobility influences tall building design, sustainability, resilience, and user experience. By synthesizing literature and real-world applications, this paper reveals the elevator's evolving role as a key enabler of vertical urbanism and anticipates future trends in elevator technology.