An elevator with a glass car and/or glass hoistway walls that allows passengers an unobstructed view of the surrounding building interior or exterior during travel, combining vertical transport with architectural aesthetics.
Full Definition
Panoramic (observation or scenic) elevators incorporate full or partial glass panels in the car walls and shaft structure, transforming the journey into an architectural feature. They are commonly installed in hotel atria, shopping centres, airports, and landmark buildings where the visual journey enhances the guest experience. The exposed glass shaft is typically a structural glass curtain wall system or frameless glass with stainless steel or aluminium framing. The car itself uses toughened (tempered) or laminated safety glass to EN 12150 or EN ISO 12543 standards. From a safety standpoint, the glass must retain its integrity under fire conditions for a defined period (fire-rated glass) in some installations. Drive systems can be traction (gearless for smoothness), hydraulic, or rack-and-pinion where the shaft is a free-standing external tower. Lighting design — both inside the car and within the shaft — is critical for architectural effect. EN 81-20 applies to all panoramic elevator installations; structural loads on glass panels must satisfy applicable building codes.
