Commemorating its 100th anniversary on October 27th last fall, KONE organized a showcase event named People Flow™ Day. Nearly 800 KONE employees visited 125 sites around the world to learn how, where and why people move in different types of building during a typical weekday.
By making on-site observations, interviewing customers, talking to the public and filling out questionnaires, these representatives gathered first-hand insights that will help KONE serve its customers even better in the future. Here are some of the discoveries they made.
Central Railway Station, Helsinki, Finland
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• A key link in Helsinki’s subway network, connection to long-distance trains, tram lines and the bus
terminal, built 1982
• Over 26,000 commuters on an average weekday
• 8 elevators, 14 escalators, 24 automatic doors
• Customer: Helsinki City Transport
• Building type: Public transportation
• Despite ongoing modernization, local commuters navigated the subway confidently. The crowd exhibited “sheep-like behavior” upon disembarking. If the leader of the pack took a false turn, everyone followed.
• Elderly commuters expressed concern for their safety during peak hours. “Keep right” signs on escalators would separate slow and fast movers and increase passenger safety.
• The subway can be confusing for foreigners. Clear multilingual exit and ticketing signs would reduce bottlenecks.
Mount Alvernia Hospital, Singapore
• A private, non-profit hospital built 1961, extensions added 1963–2010
• 303 beds, up to 10,000 visitors per month
• 10 elevators, including 3 KONE elevators; 2 units currently under modernization by KONE
• Customer: Mount Alvernia Hospital
• Building type: Medical
• With its 24-hour clinic, the hospital is a busy hub of traffic all day and night. Navigation is made easy, thanks to the U-shaped layout and helpful personnel.
• The breakdown rate of older equipment highlighted the need for regular servicing and modernization.
• The conversion of two outdated units will reduce waiting times and ensure that wheelchair-bound patients can use the elevators without an escort.
Hollandview Trail Retirement Community, Aurora, Canada
• A high-end retirement community built 2009, 5 floors, 131 community members, 10 in wheelchairs
• 3 KONE EcoSpace elevators, including 2 passenger elevators and 1 simplex passenger elevator
• Customer: Hollandview Trail Retirement Community
• Building type: Residential
• With 13,440 elevator trips made weekly, the community is completely reliant on efficient elevator service. Many residents are unable to navigate stairways.
• Elevator capacity is stretched to the limit three times a day when everyone migrates to the ground-floor dining rooms at mealtimes. Traffic flow could be improved with the addition of one more passenger elevator.
• The pristine building is optimally designed for People Flow, with wide hallways and clearly marked exits and amenities. Older tenants would benefit if hall position indicators were visible from all sides to show which elevator is responding to the call.
The Riverside Centre, Brisbane, Australia
• Busy waterfront high-rise development housing 37 office levels and a retail plaza, built 1986
• Occupancy: approximately 100 companies including the Australian Stock Exchange, Deloitte, Xtrata
• 24 KONE elevators
• Customer: GPT Group Wholesale Office Fund
• Building type: Office buildings
• The spacious lobby provides excellent access to elevator banks. The property is superbly maintained and all original elevators are still functioning efficiently.
• The onsite personnel communicate fluently with KONE and other subcontractors, whom they regard as close team members.
• The building would benefit from a destination control system, particularly when office workers converge on the food court during lunch breaks.
Sheraton Park Hotel and Towers, Chennai, India
• A five-star hotel built 1981, 7 floors, 282 rooms, 30,000 guests per month
• 6 KONE elevators, including 2 scenic elevators; 3 further existing elevators to be converted by KONE this year
• Customer: Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers
• Building type: Hotel
• The desk personnel provide friendly guidance, but clear signboards would further improve guest orientation.
• Scenic elevators must be kept spotless inside and out to maintain an immaculate five-star image.
• Concern for the safety of businesswomen is a special focus at the hotel. One of the floors is reserved exclusively for single women and is staffed entirely by female guards and assistants. Only trusted service technicians are allowed into this restricted-access area.
• Frequent travelers crave variety. The hotel could occasionally change its elevator music and lighting.