Though seemingly terrifying, doorless elevators that never stop were popular throughout Europe during the early and mid-20th century. The open-cabin lifts run slowly but continuously on a loop without ever stopping, and passengers hop on and off when they reach their destination floor. Alas, the once-trendy lifts saw a steep fall from grace when safety concerns began to emerge after a series of accidents. Many of the models already installed were replaced with newer elevators. Today, just a few paternosters remain as relics of midcentury engineering.
Paternoster Lift at the Arts Tower in Sheffield, England