Monuments in the Sky

This issue finds us in late summer, but rather than sitting still and sunning ourselves, it appears the vertical-transportation (VT) industry is firing on all cylinders, unstoppable despite the heat and whatever else might be ailing the world. Whether it be contests, events or technology, we tend to be all over it. Our publisher, Ricia Sturgeon-Hendrick, recently wrote that everything she reads these days winds its way back to AI sooner or later, and the more she reads the more she understands there are many ways in which AI and even robotics can help the VT industry. For one thing, AI excels at gathering vast amounts of data, organizing it and targeting what you really need to know — think project management or “just-in-time” material ordering. Robotics are being touted for doing jobs that are dirty, dangerous, demeaning or dear (expensive). And robots can work 24 hours a day in the heat or cold without needing a break. This may be the future of many high-rise construction projects.

Another side to this future of AI is that it is taking many entry-level, white-collar jobs. Gen Z university graduates are turning to the trades. Forty-two percent of Gen Z adults (ages 18-28) are currently working in or pursuing a blue-collar or skilled-trade job, according to a recent report from Resume Builder. Of those, 37% have earned a bachelor’s degree. 

The VT trade has much to offer, including good education opportunities, excellent pay, steady advancement and, best of all, the opportunity to participate in building monuments that reach for the sky.

This issue, we celebrate those monuments in the sky in a major way through our Photo Contest 2025. The winners of our 13th annual contest span the globe, from a Jimmy Choo shoe store in Beverly Hills, California, to a beach on the private island of Mustique in the Caribbean archipelago nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines – known for attracting British royalty and rock stars. From Australia to Dubai to Hawaii and beyond, this competition showcases innovations, locations, history and passion for the VT industry.  

The other features in this issue also span the globe:

• Coming Together in Warsaw by Bülent Yılmaz tracks the progress achieved at May’s ELA Annual General Assembly and Congress.
• Excelling in Excellence by Lindsay Fletcher. In its 37th year, U.K.’s LIFTEX sees record attendance. 
• Russian Elevator Week 2025 by Yılmaz. In its 13th iteration, this event sees good attendance despite sanctions. 
• Destination: Lisbon by Yılmaz. One of Europe’s most colorful and oldest capitals hosts ELEVCON’s 24th edition.

This issue’s focus topic, Residential Lifts and Accessibility, taps into a growing segment of our industry. Four diverse articles were submitted: 

• Designing Elevators for Universal Accessibility by Muharrem Bilge Çakirer. The author gives a global perspective. 
• Building Age-Friendly Cities by Enrique Miňarro Viseras. He asks if the key to a more connected, healthier and happier Europe lies not in healthcare but in lifts. 
• Keeping Residential Lifts Running submitted by CP Automation. This Project Spotlight looks at the use of SineTamer devices in a London apartment complex. 
• Stannah Lifts by Fletcher. The Andover-headquartered home accessibility company celebrates a long-standing legacy and new generations. 

There is so much more we cover in this issue. It is no sleepy summer book, but a vibrant, energetic one you won’t want to miss. Reach out to me with your feedback at angie@elevatorworld.com.