Index:
- 1. Introduction: A little history
- 2. Accessibility in buildings: a pending task
- 3. Vertical platform lifts, a solution to break down architectural barriers
Introduction
: A little history.
The fact that lifts are part of our day-to-day routines goes without saying, indeed, it is estimated that people use a lift four times a day on average. They are commonplace nowadays, however the origin of lifts dates all the way back to Ancient Greece when Archimedes designed the first prototype. In those early days, they were used more as what we now know as forklifts and it was not until 1857 that a lift as we know them today was first seen. This took even longer even longer in Spain, as it was only in1877 that a lift was first seen in Madrid in a block of flats that would later be destroyed in the Spanish Civil War.
The use of these devices has become a necessity, and if we were to conduct a survey of the factors with an influence on the purchase of an apartment, the presence of a lift in the building would be almost always be a huge determinant in making the major decision to buy. Lifts are convenient, but they have also become an essential element in our day-to-day lives. They enhance our quality of life and break down the architectural barriers found in residential buildings with regard to accessibility.
2. Accessibility in buildings
: a pending task
With regard to our comments on breaking down architectural barriers in residential buildings, it should be pointed out that one of the main causes for the redevelopment of buildings is precisely the installation of a lift, in addition to ensuring that universal means of accessibility are implemented.
Despite all the progress made in terms of accessibility, there are still countless inaccessible residential buildings due to the fact many of them have three floors – whereby they are not required by law to be equipped with a lift – such as very old buildings still waiting to be modernised. It continues to be a pending task.
What you really need to know is that accessibility in buildings is mandatory, so any buyer or owner of a property can request the removal of any architectural barriers in their apartment building. The installation of a vertical platform lift is a good solution to this problem, thereby helping to reduce the number of architectural barriers found in apartment buildings.
3. Vertical platform lifts, a solution to break down architectural barriers
In relation to breaking down the architectural barriers found in apartment buildings, we need to talk about our vertical platform lifts. This device provides a good solution for people with reduced mobility or who are bound to a wheelchair and encounter different obstacles when accessing their home. Something as simple as having to deal with a few steps after going through the front door can make life very difficult for many people. This solution is also regarded as one of the most sought-after options with the sole purpose of making the premises more accessible.
If you would like to know or find out more about different accessibility solutions, we at General Elevadores have a wide range of options geared to the needs of our users. Tell us what you are looking for/need and we will guide you right through the process. We are here to help you :)