‘Renovation of buildings and modernisation of lifts in Italy’ – The full speech by the founder and Chairman of Elevatori Magazine

Eng. Giuseppe Volpe

10 July 2025

Good morning everyone and thank you for being here!

Before we begin, a heartfelt thank you to the Politecnico di Milano, which is so closely linked to the history of Elevatori Magazine (I will explain why later) and to Professors Claudio Bernuzzi and Marco Simoncelli (from the Department of Architecture, Construction Engineering and the Built Environment at the Politecnico di Milano).

Getting this far, to this round table, has been a long and arduous journey, but one that has rewarded us. My idea and that of Elevatori Magazine was not born from a call between technicians, but from the experience gained over more than 50 years, during which we have experienced all the mechanisms of the lift world.

I would like to share a few thoughts with you and put three fundamental words on the table: union, social, culture.

Eng. Giuseppe Volpe with Eng. Marco Simoncelli (Politecnico di Milano) and Maddalena Parotelli (Elevatori Magazine)

As is well known, there are more than one million lifts in Italy, half of which are more than 50 years old and therefore in need of renovation. While the remainder are to be modernised and must comply with new regulations.

This is an enormous task, which requires unity on the part of all operational sectors, which must work in concert to achieve the best results. A union that must overcome obstacles and diversity.

Which active areas are involved in this colossal restructuring and modernisation operation? Here they are:

• the manufacturers of lift components;
• the installers and maintainers of lifts;
• the administrators of condominiums and buildings;
• the certifiers of renovation works;
• the architectural firms;
• the users who will have to pay for the works (and who can express their considerations to the Elevatori Magazine ‘Club’, which will sort the information to those in charge;
• any other subjects, who will be welcome.

The way a lift is assembled, as you can see, has not changed, compared to other products that have undergone major transformations: you need a motor, an electrical panel, a cabin a door and other components.

You may ask: what is missing, then? What is missing is unity. Bringing all forces together to produce the product in harmony.

All parties involved must not feel like adversaries but’ opponents’ (I coin this ‘new word’). These are different parties, but they all have one goal: to give people the peace of mind of knowing that when they return home at night, they can find the lift working properly.

Because too often people, including us, take the lift for granted.

And only when it is broken do we realise how important this object is. The lift has a fundamental social dimension.

Just think how many elderly and disabled people can lead a normal life thanks to the lift, which if it breaks down prevents them from living in dignity. How often do we read about elderly and disabled people being locked in their homes for weeks or months because the lift breaks down?

So, let us, all united, strongly emphasise the social function of the lift and let us all think together about how to create something with a strong social impact. Caritas exists to give food, water, clothes. We think of a “Caritas” of lifts.

The Story

As I share these thoughts with you, you may be wondering what the editor of Elevatori Magazine is talking about? I will now try to explain.

I was born in a small village in Cilento, near Paestum (home of Magna Graecia). I refer you to the editorial published in issue no. 3/2025 of the magazine. On 2 January 1958 I took up service in Milan at Enpi, which some of you may remember: the Ente Nazionale Prevenzione Infortuni (National Accident Prevention Agency). I was in charge of testing new installations and carrying out periodic checks on existing lifts. Working hours: from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In my free time, I would deepen my knowledge of what was being observed, with particular attention to the various components that make up the lift.

I was also assistant lecturer in the Machine Construction course at the Politecnico di Milano, at the chair of Prof. Italo Bertolini. My first contact with the Milan Polytechnic dates back to that time.

I later decided to dedicate myself to the study and construction of lift components. But I soon realised that there was a lack of information. So, as always, I did not stop, but decided to do something. And in 1972 I founded Elevatori magazine. Professor Giorgio Paolini, holder of the chair of Machine Construction at the Milan Polytechnic, supported and supported me. Once again, the Politecnico, a beacon that illuminates us.

The magazine was received with great enthusiasm in Italy and abroad, confirming that communication on the subject of lifts was lacking. It was clear that we all had to promote the lift culture together. Because even machines have a soul and we must support them. Elevatori Magazine continues to this day to create culture.

From the very beginning Elevatori was present in all the initiatives. Dr Marcantonio Mazzarda had founded Anacam – Associazione Installatori e Manutentori – of which he was president for 10 years. During this decade, he wanted Elevatori to be the official Anacam organ and they were 10 wonderful years of great understanding and cooperation.

In addition, all the component manufacturers advertised in Elevatori: in this way they made themselves known. And exports grew.

Made in Italy became a fundamental aspect of the magazine. It is no coincidence that in 2024, the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy awarded Elevatori Magazine the Historical Trademark for merits. A very important milestone.

Then in 1982, with Martini and Centoducati, I founded Anica – Associazione Nazionale Industria Componenti Ascensori – of which I was president.

At that time we took an original initiative: the establishment of homogeneous groups, i.e. companies that manufactured the same product. They were competitors but the idea of studying innovation, the market, technology together compacted them and they became friends. The miracles of culture and union.

Even today, Elevatori Magazine is still the official organ of Anica and many other international associations.

In fact, in 1989 Elevatori Magazine became bilingual (Italian and English), precisely to broaden the horizons of communication.

There was a magnificent event at Palazzo Clerici, provided by the City of Milan, and a large representation of the European lift world was present.

The magazine continues its development and global distribution, reaching 62 countries around the world.

And today we send thousands of copies in digital format. Elevatori Magazine has also created an archive, through the digitisation of over 300 magazines, thus forming the history of over 50 years of lifts, available to anyone who wishes to consult it.

So many of Elevatori’s successes have been interchangeable with my own. In 2007, the Municipality of Milan, in the person of Mayor Letizia Moratti, awarded me the Ambrogino d’Oro for entrepreneurial and cultural merits and for the attention given to disability.

And in 2002 Salerno gave me the honour of Illustrious Citizen. An important event organised by the Industrial Association and the Salerno Chamber of Commerce.

Today, 10 July 2025, we are here under the leafy tree planted in the sixties and seventies in the garden of the Milan Polytechnic, and we have realised this meeting strongly desired by the incomparable editorial staff of Elevatori Magazine and the many collaborators, whom I thank. I am very proud of all of you.

I believe that this meeting is a historical sign, in the sense that we write history every day through small things.

I would like to thank the Politecnico and the professors again sincerely for choosing to share this moment with Elevatori Magazine. One circle closes, but hopefully another one opens.

Of course this round table does not end here: it must become a fixed institutional appointment, coordinated by Elevatori together with all of you.