Preservation through innovation
Offering contemporary solutions for historic buildings.
Modernizing historic buildings might seem counterintuitive – even a little wrong.
But modernizing the systems and equipment within old buildings doesn't mean erasing their history and character.
When modernization is done right, it can actually help you save them.
Modernization: a tool for preservation
Leaving older buildings neglected isn’t an option. Neither is demolishing and reconstructing – a carbon-intensive approach that would mean losing the history and culture embedded in these buildings. Modernizing, in contrast, allows buildings to be protected, preserved, and celebrated, while ensuring they are fit for purpose today – and tomorrow – all while minimizing carbon emissions.
Making sure historic buildings are safe, secure, and accessible enables their preservation, allowing them to maintain their relevance within our modern urban landscape, and helping them serve future generations while staying true to their origins.
Minimal disruption across the board
Our teams pride themselves on minimizing disruption whenever they carry out work – and that commitment extends to the buildings themselves. In practice, that means we protect the areas where we work, adapt to space limitations, and try to minimize visual clutter whenever possible, adapting solutions to ensure they fit in with their surroundings and retain building continuity. And when existing elements need to be preserved, we work behind the scenes to combine modern functionality with antique aesthetics.
Saving the souls of our cities
By extending the life spans of our buildings, we can preserve the unique identities of our cities – retaining the character, the soul, and the culture that attract residents and visitors seeking urban authenticity. Modernization has the power to prevent historic areas from becoming sterile smart cities built from scratch.
Our dedication, drive, and attention to detail is evident throughout our global projects.
A U.S. city skyscraper
Stepping into the lobby at 500 Fifth Avenue may feel like going back in time – but entering the elevators feels like quite the opposite. The 18 elevators in this stunning 60-story art deco skyscraper welcome 1,850 people to work each day, and now offer them an improved experience, thanks to the recently incorporated Schindler PORT transit management system.
Our team respected the history of the emblematic Fifth Avenue building, overcame space limitations, and kept tenant disruption to a minimum throughout the project.
History and culture on show in Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore, the country’s oldest museum dedicated to the nation’s history and culture, was established in 1849 and settled in its current location in 1887.
The museum is equipped with two passenger lifts, one fireman lift, two cargo lifts, and four escalators, designed for the smooth and safe movement of people and exhibits alike. Their recent modernization prioritized better reliability, durability, sustainability, and safety while blending seamlessly into the museum’s modern and neo-classical architectural features.
An urban emblem in Germany
Not everything is about age. The 291-meter Olympiaturm in Munich, Germany, may have only opened in 1968, but has already become an iconic emblem on the city’s skyline. Our team is replacing the elevator system with a modern version that meets today’s standards while maintaining the original building, and is also recreating existing control panels with improved functionalities. Custom design solutions are being used to accommodate the unique layout of the circular tower and enable the modernization of this urban landmark.
Culture and class in Switzerland
The elevators in Basel’s 19th-century Stadtcasino set the standard for harmonizing heritage and innovation. In a building renowned for its precise detail and exceptional style, expectations were high. Following their modernization, the elevators now flawlessly combine plush red velvet with state-of-the-art modernity – creating a real wow factor for visitors – before the spectacle even begins.
Meanwhile in Zurich, one of the world’s most renowned five-star hotels, Baur au Lac, was renovated – elevators included. Minimal disruption was essential as the hotel remained open. Flexibility and creativity from our teams, made-to-measure elements, day and night shifts, and intricate design details all contributed to the exceptional, unique result.
Overcoming the paradox
Contrary to common assumption, modernization doesn’t neglect historical heritage. When expertly executed, modernizing long-standing buildings and urban structures can help preserve, highlight, and celebrate their unique historic features, characteristics, and nuances. In doing so, they can stand the test of time, and continue to evoke the varied histories, spirits, cultures, and complexities of our world’s cherished cities.