Interesting conception of a world where Empiricism versus Intuitionism is a thing.
This was a great first novel.
Escalators make an appearance for comic relief.
If you were a child in the 60's you will relive some of the imagery.
What will you replace "verticality" with?
What is your "up" button?
The theme reminds me now of Newton versus Leibniz, with Newton representing the Empiricists.

I'm also reminded of the two modes of thought in Rudy Rucker's "The Big Aha".
Roughly mapping it this way
Robotic -> Empiricist
Cosmic - > Intuitionist

Also, think of Cosmic Mode as the "space folding" mode of the Guild Navigators.

Now I'll advertise some pop culture:
Sylvan Esso's: Coffee reminds me of the "dime-a-dance" segment in the Intuitionist.

For awhile, I wondered if "trust" would be the new verticality. That the essence of an elevator is to get into a box and "trust".