CHALLENGES
- Provide solutions capable of transporting the thousands of people who visit the center every day.
- Develop an escalator worthy of the Elbphilharmonie, one of the unique music and events centers in the word.
THE ELBPHILHARMONIE
Hamburg, Germany
A HARMONY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Since its launch in November 2016, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie has come to symbolize the unique relationship between design, technology and culture.
Description
The Elbphilharmonie on the Kaispeicher has turned into the social and cultural center of Hamburg, Germany. From the outside, Elphi (as the locals affectionately call it) is a brick-and-glass high rise that looks like a swanky ocean liner docked in the city’s harbor. Nestled inside this 110-meter-high, 26-story mega structure, is one of world’s top ten concert halls, mixed use apartments, and even a five-star hotel. KONE has installed the world’s first arched escalators at the Elbphilharmonie. More than 80 meters in length, they are the longest in Europe. Designed in the shape of an arch, they give users the experience of travelling in an ‘endless’ escalator, since they cannot see the other end. They were specially designed for the Elbphilharmonie music hall and climb to a height of 21.43 meters. Several small drive units were used instead of large central drives to make these arched escalators possible. The weekend after the Elbphilharmonie opened, nearly 13,000 people travelled on these escalators each day.
Building facts
- The Grand Hall, the heart of the Elbphilharmonie, can seat 2,100 guests.
- Architect and main developer: Herzog & de Meuron
- Contractor: Hochtief Infrastructure GmbH
KONE solutions
- 2 KONE arch escalators
- 20 year, full-service maintenance contract
The Elbphilharmonie
SOLUTIONS
- Work closely with the architect to ensure that the final product meets his vision for the Elbphilharmonie.
- Develop the world’s first arched escalator that will enhance the travel experience of the people visiting the center.
- Work closely with the developer to ensure that all building schedules are met.
The Elbphilharmonie
