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An Elevator that will Reshape Skylines

Magnetically Levitating Elevators Could Reshape Skylines

They go up, down, and all around


ThyssenKrupp
Maglev Elevators Open Up New Possibilities In Building Design
With the debut of passenger elevators some 150 years ago, cities were forever changed. Freed from the tyranny of stairwells, architects built as high as they liked. That is, until they ran into another barrier: the weight of steel cables. A new elevator design from German company ThyssenKrupp may solve that problem by trading cables for tracks that employ magnetic levitation, or maglev. Unconstrained by a linear pulley system, the cars--to be tested in Germany next year--will travel higher and in new directions, moving horizontally and even diagonally. The system, called Multi, may help make possible buildings of unprecedented size and energy efficiency, like this conceptual Edison Tower. Patrick Bass, CEO of ThyssenKrupp North America, says supertall, power-producing skyscrapers could help accommodate booming urbanization.

How It Works



Illustrations by Graham Murdoch
Elevators Of The Future

1. Lofty Design

The Edison Tower, dreamed up by German developer Frank Jendrusch, will reach nearly 4,300 feet--about four-fifths of a mile. The idea is to create an all-in-one space with residences, offices, shopping, and recreation. Jendrusch aims to build the tower by 2030.

2. Topping Out

After about 2,000 feet, the cables in a standard elevator can’t support both the car and their own weight, so passengers must switch to a new one. Multi will run 4,200 feet, direct from ground floor to observation deck.

3. Magnetic Pull

Maglev will enable Multi to “float” to its destination. Magnets in the car will repel opposing magnets along the track, causing the car to hover. A separate set of coils along the track will push and pull the car in its intended direction.

4. Range of motion

Multi is far more nimble than a pulley system. To change orientation, the section of rail carrying the elevator car will rotate, shifting the direction of the moving magnetic field.

5. Outdoors In

All that additional space will allow for creative interior designs, like parks.

6. Positive Energy

With its unique star shape, the core of the Edison Tower will act similarly to a solar updraft tower, using the flow of hot air to turn internal turbines. Along with photovoltaics, it’ll produce power for the building.

7. Room To Grow

Up to 20 percent of any high-rise building is consumed by elevator space. ThyssenKrupp estimates that Multi could reduce the elevator footprint in future buildings by up to 50 percent.

8. Sprawling Footprint

The building will cover nearly one square mile.
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