THE WORLD'S FASTEST ELEVATOR

A photo of Japan's Solae, the world's tallest elevator testing tower.

A photo of Japan's Solae at night.


Ever wondered how they test elevators?

Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has opened what it says is the world's tallest elevator testing tower. It's just one gigantic elevator shaft. The 173 m high structure is called Solae and dominates the skyline of Inazawa City.

The tower will be used to conduct research into high-speed elevators to serve the next generation of super-tall buildings. The world's current tallest building, the Taipei 101, will soon be dwarfed by towers in cities such as Dubai, Shanghai, Moscow and Chicago. Even the traditionally low-rise London is going upwards.

At London Bridge Station, developers are pressing ahead with the Shard, which at 310 m will be Europe's tallest skyscraper. The elevators of the Taipei 101, built by Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems; have a top speed of 61 km/h and are recognised as the fastest in the world.

They incorporate a pressure control system that stops customers ears from 'popping' and streamlined cars that reduce the whistling noise that fast elevators makes as they are pulled through the narrow shafts.


The world's current tallest building, the Taipei 101 in China.

See also:
AN ELEVATOR IN A FISH TANK

news.bbc.co.uk