Why modern skyscrapers need elevator modernization

Existing landmark towers do not simply have to catch up with new developments. Because their owners already understand their tenants, traffic patterns and operational needs, elevator modernization can help them create a more tailored people-flow experience and potentially compete from a position of strength.

20 Fenchurch Street and The Leadenhall Building, are both located in the City of London and completed construction in 2014. First stop: 20 Fenchurch Street, more affectionately known as the “Walkie-Talkie” provides 38-floors of offices with the iconic Skygarden at its top floors.

Works have recently been completed to modernize the 14 double-decker elevators, with two cars connected one above the other, and the destination control system which assigns passengers to elevators before they enter the car. Sean Harlow, head of engineering for the building explains.
 

“Our old destination operating panels had become obsolete, and we wanted to be at the forefront of lift technology in this highly competitive space,” Harlow says.

“We took the proactive decision to modernize the system. For KONE this was a world first to integrate it into an existing and fully operational building. We worked very closely with KONE and other site partners to develop how multiple systems would connect into the existing building systems. Whilst the project was very challenging, it was nonetheless a very rewarding one, knowing that we've helped pave the way for others to integrate into complex Access Control and destination control."

Many of London’s most recognizable towers were built in the 2010s, but they are already undergoing upgrades to stay relevant. Elevators are often among the first systems to be modernized, as buildings adapt to evolving expectations and new ways of working.
 

“Originally, these office buildings were designed for traditional ‘9-to-5’ schedules with a single lunch rush,” says Samu Salmelin, head of Major Projects, KONE Europe.

“Today, flexible hours, hot-desking, and a wider range of on-site amenities like restaurants and gyms create more varied vertical traffic patterns throughout the day.”

Elevator modernization can respond to these changing needs by improving people flow, increasing elevator capacity, and providing data that supports more efficient operation and predictive maintenance.

Motlieb and his team at the Leadenhall Building follow a two-year lifecycle plan in close collaboration with KONE. They are now upgrading the destination operating panels on every floor, alongside hoisting ropes, in-car media screens, and back-of-house components.

Once the modernization dust settles, Salmelin explains that projects typically deliver three major advantages: high uptime, meaning elevators are reliably available when needed; connectivity enabling continuous health monitoring and predictive maintenance; and long-term planning.

“Ultimately, this proactive approach eliminates surprises from both a budget and tenant experience perspective,” he says.

Can connectivity and real-time data also improve energy efficiency? “Absolutely,” says Motlieb.

“By analyzing run times and traffic routes, we can optimize group dispatching algorithms. KONE’s system smartly dispatches elevators already on their way down to pick up passengers rather than sending an empty car up, which saves significant energy.”

In the end, elevator modernization is a strategic move, not least when it comes to a property’s competitive edge. “It all ties back to that ‘street-to-seat’ experience,” says Motlieb. 

“High-profile occupiers pay a premium to reside in an iconic building like The Cheesegrater, and nobody wants to wait 5 or 10 minutes for an elevator during peak hours. Modern, fast, and reliable lifts create an unforgettable customer experience from the moment you enter the reception area. Keeping the technology cutting-edge shows continuous investment in the asset.”
 

Harlow, at 20 Fenchurch Street, agrees that visible investment is vital. 

“If you have 'Out of Service' signs on several old DOPs, it gives the wrong impression, and we are in a very competitive market. It's not just about attracting new customers; we already have fantastic customers in our building, it's about ensuring they stay exactly where they are and know we are doing what’s best for them – pioneering new technologies, thinking into the long-term future, so we stay at the forefront of a competitive and demanding market.”

As new developments continue to reshape the London skyline, competition for tenants remains fierce. According to Salmelin, however, existing landmark towers hold a unique advantage over new developments. 

”The owners and engineering managers already know their tenants and understand how people move in the building. Rather than merely ‘catching up’ with brand-new developments, existing towers can leverage modernization, real-time data, and tailored people flow to outperform new developments and remain the premier address in the city.”

For landmarks such as 20 Fenchurch Street and the Leadenhall Building, modernization is more than an upgrade. It is an investment in keeping people moving and the buildings performing at their best for years to come.