From the classic to the modern, to the bizarre, lifts have been transporting people and items up and down tall buildings for decades.
And if we take into account the role of the rope and pulley system in society, we may argue that the concept of the lift has existed for many centuries. In agrarian times, the idea of the block and tackle was used in the fetching of water and the cultivation of crops.
In more advanced times, lift systems have been modified to fit specific needs. But today, we are only concerned with those lifts that have blown our minds.
1. Aquadom (Berlin, Germany)
This lift, which can be found in the Radisson Blu hotel, will make you exclaim, “Wow. That was an elevator ride I’ll never forget!”
Opened in 2004, the transparent lift is encased in the centre of an 82-foot-tall aquarium. Which means passengers can enjoy the multitude of species that can be found in more than 260,000 gallons of seawater.
The fun of this lifts is that it simulates the feeling of a deepwater dive, especially when passengers enter from above. It can also be quite the treat for eager little minds who will marvel at being immersed in one of the world’s most intriguing fish tanks.
2. Gateway Arch Tram (St. Louis, United States)
Hopping across the Atlantic, we find the second wild lift on our list, the Gateway
The Gateway Arch’s pod (tram) is one of the most anticipated elevator rides in the united states of America.
As the elevator doors snap shut, passengers may brace themselves for a four-minute ride from either side of the Arch. The trip comes complete with an audio guide which explains a bit of the monument's history.
But perhaps what makes this particular lift unique, is the very fact that it is a part of one of the most iconic landmarks.
The tram ride up the famous arch might be as much of a draw at the monument itself.
3. Bailong Elevator (Zhangjiajie, China)
Number three on our list is one of the world’s largest outdoor lifts, the Bailong elevator. Built alongside a massive cliff in the area of Zhangjiajie, China, this spectacle continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
The name Bailong translates to “Hundred Dragons Elevator,” which seems fitting as soon as you realise the construction stands 1000 feet tall.
For those fortunate enough to make it to the site of the lift, there is a beautiful view of the area's massive quartzite sandstone pillars.
4. Globen Skyview (Stockholm, Sweden)
Want a scenic ride in a glass sphere which revolves around another larger sphere (which also happens to be the world’s largest sphere)? Well, then Sweden has the perfect lift for you!
The futuristic orb of the Globen Skyview has proven to be quite the treat for tourists.
Many are eager for the unique experience of being lifted by a transparent globe which affords passengers a panoramic view of Stockholm. On a clear day, the globe is great for photography and quite simply, a new perspective.
Well then, have we convinced you to add this activity to your bucket list? You should be aware that Sweden is not a cheap city and this experience will cost you £56 (with a Stockholm Pass).
5. Umeda Hankyu Building Elevator (Osaka, Japan)
Where can you find five of the world’s largest lifts, all in one place? In Japan, in a skyscraper called, The Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower.
We had to include these lifts on our list for the sheer size of them.
The dimensions of this lift are 11.15 x 9.2-foot. There are university students who wouldn’t mind renting out a space of this size.
And for a bit of perspective, this lift is strong enough to will take you and a medium sized truck to the top floor. And if you don’t see the need of bringing your vehicle into one of the many offices in the building, then you may easily make room for seventy-nine more people.
And why did the Japanese decide to invest their time and effort on such a massive lift? Well aside from the fact that the Japanese continue to impress the world with the wonders of technology, there is also a practical reason for such huge lifts.
The first 14 floors of the Umeda Hankyu Building used for a rather large department store (Hankyu Department Store). The remaining floors above houses the residents of the building.
As you may imagine, with all the inhabitants of the building being forced above the first 14 floors, the demand for a lift up to the living quarters will be relatively higher than if the apartments were evenly distributed across the building.
Which one do you think tops the list?
Where would you rank our Mobile Stair Lift at?