Mirrors, which were very useful as we checked ourselves for the last time to see if there was something on our face or hair when leaving the house, were actually placed in the elevators after some thoughtful considerations.
When the first elevators were built, the idea of mirrors did not come to mind because they were not even closed. Although the mirrors in this useful technology, which has changed a lot in terms of both design and speed since then, are often used for selfie purposes, they serve much more important purposes.
Elevators, whose history goes back to 336 BC, were naturally not as standard and fast as they are today.
The first elevators made by Archimedes; The water used to build the structure was used to lift heavy materials such as stone. In other words, Archimedes had made improvements on the buoyancy of water as well as the buoyancy of water.
After these first elevators, gladiators and animals were taking elevators to the Roman Colosseum arena in 80 AD in ancient Rome. Humans, animals and water wheels were used as leverage.
When enclosed elevators became widespread, the door to the idea of mirrors was opened.
What triggered the idea of installing mirrors was, “I wonder if the elevators are too slow?” was the thought. Of course, there is no relationship between the mirror and the speed, but if there is something to keep you busy in a slow thing, the perception that time passes faster occurs. Being in an elevator staring straight at the wall would be pretty boring and could make you feel like you’re in a cage.
In fact, since this situation triggers claustrophobia in some people, the mirrors covering the inside of the elevator create a wider perception of the environment and minimize the fear of enclosed spaces. People who are interested in hair, make-up and clothing details reduce the fear of “Will the elevator fall or will I stay inside?”
Music is offered in addition to mirrors to reduce boredom and tension. (Although their playlists are very ordinary…)
Mirrors in elevators also have a life-saving feature.
Due to some malfunctions, when the door is opened before the cabin arrives, sad events such as death/injury may occur by falling into the elevator shaft. If you see yourself in front of you when the door is opened by mistake, that is, if there is a mirror, you can easily take a step. Thanks to the mirror, this distinction can be made easily and many lives are saved.
Apart from these, there are various benefits.
For example, people who enter the elevator with a wheelchair can check their backs by looking in the mirror because they cannot turn inside and can easily get out of the elevator.
In addition, when there are strangers inside, it is possible to see the theft, a possible attack and harassment more easily thanks to the mirrors.
- Sources: Science ABC, Gartec, Kohtler, How Stuff Works
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