As cities grow taller and denser, lifts aren’t just mechanical boxes that shuttle people between floors. They’ve become part of the critical infrastructure that keeps modern life moving.
At ILE, we see lifts as more than building features. They’re mobility systems that support accessibility, resilience, and the long-term functionality of urban spaces. If we treat them only as an afterthought in design, we set ourselves up for inefficiencies, higher costs, and frustrated users down the line.
Urban Access That Works
From hospitals to high-rises, lifts make upper floors viable and inclusive. They’re not a luxury; they’re the reason those spaces can be used effectively. Yet in too many masterplans, lift strategy appears on the agenda far too late. Early integration alongside roads, utilities, and transport links means fewer retrofits, smoother flow, and buildings that actually serve the people who live and work in them.
Accessibility With Purpose
Accessibility isn’t a box to tick. It’s the difference between independence and exclusion. For elderly residents, wheelchair users, parents with prams, or travellers with luggage, vertical access is essential. Designing lifts as a core part of an accessibility framework means we deliver environments that work for everyone, not just the able-bodied majority.
Smarter Planning, Better Outcomes
Bringing lift consultants in early pays dividends. You get:
– Traffic analysis that’s realistic, not optimistic.
– Smarter use of core space.
– Compliance baked in, rather than bolted on.
– Clarity on costs and phasing.
That’s good for developers, operators, and most importantly, the people relying on those lifts every day.
Social Housing: Getting It Right Matters
In social housing, the stakes are even higher. Residents depend on lifts daily, and cutting corners up front can mean breakdowns, expensive maintenance, and years of frustration. A slightly bigger investment early can save money (and headaches) over the life of the building.
We recently worked with Westminster City Council on a new lift installation at sheltered housing block Hardy House, where residents had been dealing with the results of what happens when planning and real-world use don’t quite line up. And while planning may not always mitigate every eventuality, working together across the lift industry, we all can – and should – do better.
Looking Ahead
Cities will keep growing upward. That’s inevitable. What’s optional is whether we treat lifts as essential infrastructure or continue to squeeze them into plans as an afterthought. The smarter path is obvious.
At ILE, we’re here to help clients make decisions that balance cost, quality, and long-term performance, because lifts aren’t just about moving people; they’re about keeping communities connected.
