Intent

Originally the elevator was designed to supplement the hiring process, but it only took a few years before the majority of the personnel department was let go in favor of the slow ride. The premise was simple: an endless wait tests patience, determination, and with time, curiosity.

The 54th floor actuaries pinned down the perfect elevator music with just three weeks of feedback and an elegant regression. New hires describe the music as punishing and mean spirited. What starts as light jazz bubbles into mariachi in an enervating minor key, alternating with Cher songs synthetically dubbed in the applicant’s own voice.