This article examines the pivotal role of elevators in 20th-century architectural and engineering transformation. It traces how these complex, dynamic systems evolved from ad hoc installations to regulated infrastructure. Focusing on Denmark within broader European trends, the study highlights the transition from early, site-specific hoists to standardized, mass-produced electric lifts. It explores the impact of accidents, the emergence of national regulatory bodies like the Factory Inspectorate, and the eventual international harmonization of safety standards (e.g., EN 81 series). Ultimately, this research demonstrates how the elevator became a catalyst for integrating mechanical systems into building design and for establishing performance-based regulation in construction.
Construction Innovation: Materials, Processes and Systems, Construction History Society, Cambridge 2025, p. 347-362.