Engineered for the extreme
The world’s weather is getting harder to predict – and harder to endure. But the right engineering makes all the difference.
Climate change is making extreme weather more common and more intense.
Heavier rain, stronger winds, more punishing heat, and prolonged droughts – events that once felt exceptional are now becoming routine.
Besides disrupting communities, these extreme weather events are putting existing infrastructure to the test.
That's why the buildings, transport systems, and mobility solutions we rely on every day need to be designed with this in mind – to be able to withstand even the worst weather.
Here is a selection of global projects where our products were designed to perform in the toughest conditions.
Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain
In Asturias, one of the coolest and wettest regions of Spain, our teams recently installed four Schindler 9500 moving walkways at the entrance to the Hospital University Central de Asturias in Oviedo, under cover for protection against the elements and complete with solar panels for those sunny days. The four 35-meters walkways can transport up to 6,000 people an hour, providing critical access to the region’s main hospital – rain or shine.
Torre Reforma, Mexico
In addition to being built to withstand earthquakes, Mexico City’s Torre Reforma also has sustainable features that protect it from other extreme weather. The building faces south, to maximize natural sunlight, the double-glazed façade and horizontal shades work to prevent overheating, and ventilation windows that open automatically in the morning allow the building to exude warm air and cool itself – naturally.
Two Taikoo Place, Hong Kong
The second skyscraper in Hong Kong’s Taikoo Place is a masterclass in sustainable structures designed with subtropical weather in mind. External shading devices minimize solar heat gain, while urban wind corridors help air to flow naturally between buildings and limit air stagnation. Such wind corridors help curb urban heatwaves and limit the impact of tropical nights – imperative in places like Hong Kong where temperatures are steadily increasing year on year.
Taking care of equipment
Looking after installed equipment is key to keeping it running smoothly and safely in all climates.
- Operating at optimal temperatures. Regulating elevator temperatures through activating cab air conditioning, parking on climate-controlled floors, installing oil heaters and operating trips for lesser used elevators can help equipment operate optimally.
- Protecting equipment from heavy rain and humidity. Keeping machine rooms protected and elevator pits sealed helps avoid water damage, and maintaining adequate ventilation minimizes risk of moisture build-up and corrosion – both particularly important during monsoons.
- Keeping things clean in the snow. Cleaning areas affected by melted snow or ice regularly and ensuring salt and sand don’t build up during cold snaps and snowy seasons helps avoid incorrect door operation and slippery surfaces.
- Safeguarding electrical equipment. Installing surge protection devices can help protect control panels and drives, while anti-entrapment systems can detect loss of power and carry passengers to safety should weather cause power cuts.
Testa Grigia, Switzerland
Escalators operating at 3,500 meters above sea level up in the mountains need to be durable. At the summit station on Testa Grigia, four Schindler escalators carry visitors to the alpine station that connects Zermatt in Switzerland with Cervinia in Italy. Our teams went the extra length in cold, wet conditions, where oxygen levels are lower, to make sure the escalators stand the test of time. The equipment features water protection covers, heating elements, and galvanized trusses to prevent corrosion – all designed to make sure the escalators can offer uninterrupted service to passengers throughout cold, icy, and snowy conditions.