Today, Friday 29th July, is National Talk in an Elevator Day! This annual event occurs on the last Friday of July and encourages individuals to strike up a conversation with a stranger in an elevator. Taking a moment to talk to a new person can help put a smile on your and the other persons face.
Did you know that elevators were invented really early on in human history? The first elevator recorded in the world was in 200 B.C. by Archimedes, a famous Greek mathematician, scientist and engineer. However, the modern day elevator wasn’t invented until the 1800’s. It was showcased in New York City at the Crystal Palace Convention in the mid-1850s. Prior to this invention, many avoided using an elevator out of fear and due to various safety issues. However, these safety issues were solved by spring technology being installed into elevators. Soon, the modern elevator spread all over America and the world. Nowadays lifts all over the world are even safer than driving a car!
The View from The Shard’s lifts travel at six metres per second, making the total time to go from Level 1 to Level 68 about a minute. Our elevators at The View from The Shard may not be the main reason for your visit (although they are an incredible bonus!) but they can help you forge new friendships.
We would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone who visits The View from The Shard this weekend to talk to people while you are on your way up or down! We recommend a light-hearted conversation – perhaps about the spectacular view you are about to witness!