Elevators: Going up … DING !

Kai Dillingham & Stephanie Romero

An elevator is a type of vertical transport equipment that efficiently moves people or products between floors of a building. Elevators are generally powered by electric motors that either drive traction cables or counterweight systems like a hoist. Because of wheelchair access laws for the disabled people, elevators are often a legal requirement in new multistory buildings.

The benefits of an elevator are that it creates more usable space and uses no oil. All components are above ground similar to roped hydraulic type elevators and they can slightly lower cost than other elevators. It can also operate at faster speeds than hydraulics, but not normal traction units.

The first reference to an elevator was in the works of the Roman architect Vitruvius. Vitruvius reported that Archimedes built his first elevator approximately in 236 B.C. In 2005, the year Cesar Chavez High School, was built. Unlike most other schools, Cesar Chavez High School has elevators. Since they do have disabled kids going to school there, it would only make sense to have elevators at this school.

Students at CCHS also had something to say about elevators, in general, around the whole. We asked Jessica Plascencia, 9^th grader:

Q: What scares you the most about elevators?

A: “You can get stuck in there for a very long time.”

Jacob Jones, also a 9^th grader, was asked the question:

Q: Would you rather take the stairs or an elevator?

A: “Stairs, because you can get more exercise.”

Juniors were also asked a few questions. Kenneth Genilla was asked the question:

Q: How did you feel riding the elevator for the first time?

A: “I felt safer when I was with people and not alone.”

Dawson Phan answered the question:

Q: What would you recommend for people getting on the elevators?

A: “I feel that disability people are the ones who need elevators at this school the most.”

If you live in a mansion, two story house, or with people who are disabled and cannot get around easily, visit the Elevators site about installing your very own residential home elevator!

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