Why are there mirrors in elevators?
Ever noticed how almost all modern elevators have mirrors in them? Well. There’s plenty of reasons as to why that is. Mirrors in lifts serve multiple purposes, ranging from practical to psychological, and their widespread presence can be attributed to a blend of functional necessity and design psychology.
Initially, the inclusion of mirrors in lifts was a pragmatic decision, driven by safety concerns and practicality. However, over time, they evolved to serve additional functions, including enhancing user experience and addressing psychological factors.
The history of mirrors in lifts can be traced back to the early 20th century when lifts became commonplace in buildings; it’s debated whether or not the idea initially popped up in Japan or America, but they gained popularity relatively quickly.
Initially, lifts were cramped and dimly lit spaces, which could evoke feelings of discomfort or claustrophobia for passengers. The installation of mirrors helped address these concerns by creating an illusion of spaciousness and providing additional lighting through reflection.
It’s been argued that they first came around due to hotel residents complaining about long elevator rides and that once the mirrors were installed, their complaints stopped.
Furthermore, Mirrors provided passengers with a means of monitoring their surroundings, allowing them to detect any potential hazards or suspicious activities. Additionally, mirrors facilitated communication between passengers, enabling them to see and interact with each other even in crowded lifts, which could be reassuring in emergencies.
Thus, the presence of mirrors in almost all lifts today can be seen as a testament to their enduring utility and effectiveness in meeting the diverse needs of passengers.