As The Fort is a place that is keen to offer its visitors an experience to remember, it was felt that all areas of the project had showcase creative talent – even the lift.
So, Karen enlisted the help of freelance designer Simon Gornall, who turned his hand away from product design to crafting the interior of the lift at The Fort.
Simon, 31, graduated from York St John University in 2008 and has been nurturing his talent ever since. As a favour he answered a few questions for the blog!
So, I take it you design furniture as well as lift interiors?
Yes, I graduated from York St John University with a degree in design practice, but I am passionate about all elements of design. When Karen offered me the chance to work on the lift at The Fort I was full of ideas.
That sounds interesting, could you explain further?
Well, when I first came to visit The Fort there was a toilet stored in the lift and it gave me an idea to install one, but due to health and safety, it wasn’t possible. I then knew that a tiled finish would look amazing, but I had to consider the weigh and durability, so we went for a vinyl.
You have done something unusual with it though, haven’t you?
As it is going to be a tourist destination, and York is full of great places to visit, I thought why not simply offer a London Underground style map? So the vinyl now has the look of white tiles with a London tube map, but with York landmarks.
Do you feel that lifts get forgotten in building design?
They can. It was essential that we continued the integrity of what The Fort represents, so the lift had to offer something different and creative.
I take it you’ll be at the launch night to show people your work?
I’ll definitely be there.
You can view the proposed image of the lift below.
If you fancy checking out any of Simon’s work, then head over to his online portfolio at www.simongornall.co.uk

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