LIFT STRATEGY | ADAM TOWER LIFTING ME HIGHER The lift configuration in the newly refurbished ADAM tower in Amsterdam has been radically redesigned to accommodate a huge increase in traffic. Jochem Wit explains how this was achieved through a combination of technical, architectural and organisational measures T he ADAM Tower in Amsterdam is a collaborative hub for the Dutch music industry and, more specifically, for the thriving dance-music scene. This is clear to the eyes and ears of anyone who takes the lift to the new observation deck when it is in experience mode. The journey is accompanied by pounding dance music that rises to a crescendo as a glass elevator accelerates towards the 20th floor. There is also a stunning visual display that uses LED lighting in the lift shaft, to give occupants the impression they are speeding through a futuristic tunnel into outer space. The ADAM Tower is a refurbishment of the former Shell Overhoeks office, which became Amsterdams tallest building andacity icon when it was completed in 1972. A new podium and crown were added when the tower was remodelled between 2014 and 2017, increasing its height to 94m. It now includes offices for those in the music business, a boutique hotel, events spaces, a revolving restaurant, and the observation decks on the 20th and 21st floors, known as the Lookout. The tower is now open 24 hours a day and is an important part of the regeneration of Overhoeks, a former industrial zone separated from Amsterdams historic centreby the IJ river. Its redevelopment resulted in a huge increase in the number ofpeople using the tower. Originally designed for 500office workers, the project figures for the reworked building were up to5,000 daily visitors. For this to be achieved, the lifts strategy had to be radically reworked. LIFT ORGANISATION AND ARCHITECTURE To allow an increase in lift traffic, the following changes were made: Different types of users were allowed to use the main lifts, and the flows were merged into combined lobbies and shared lifts together The uncoupling of external delivery times and internal distribution times for the hotel, Lookout and Loft, by disallowing simultaneous external and internal goods deliveries The use of dedicated lifts during specific time windows. For instance, for dedicated Lookout service, special events such as conferences, launches and weddings and goods distribution The positioning of the reception desks for the hotel and the Lookout on the first floor, separated from the office reception on the ground floor. This was done to optimise people flow, to concentrate shuttle traffic, and for security and commercial reasons. 32 May 2019 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE May19 pp32-35 Adam Tower lift.indd 32 26/04/2019 17:08