Abstract: A lift shaft which includes a plurality of self-supporting, prefabricated shaft modules which can be stacked. The lift shaft is constructed from one or more generally "plain" modules; a module containing a fully assembled lift car, optionally containing a counterweight which is temporarily supported for transit to the erection on-site; a fully assembled upper lift motor room module, including winding apparatus and electronic equipment for the lift; and a pit module which is to be suspended from a module above. The lift shaft and modules are designed so that they can be used as containers for fully assembled lift cars and/or counterweights between the factory and the building site so that a lift shaft module can be craned into position with a complete car and/or counterweight.