#OLIverse, deep dives into Olivetti

OLIverse - 56 - PEOPLE - Ettore Sottsass, Olivetti and the Meaning of Design

What happens when design stops serving machines and starts serving people? In this episode of OLIverse, we explore the life and legacy of Ettore Sottsass, one of the most influential designers of the twentieth century and a central figure in Olivetti’s history. Over two decades of collaboration, Sottsass helped redefine the relationship between technology, aesthetics and human experience, creating iconic projects such as the Elea 9000 computer and the Valentine typewriter. From his early rationalist influences to the radical ideas that later inspired the Memphis movement, Sottsass challenged conventional industrial design by placing emotion, culture and individuality at its center. His work transformed everyday objects into expressions of meaning and identity, leaving a lasting impact on design worldwide. More than a designer, Sottsass was a visionary who believed that technology should enrich human life. His legacy continues to shape the way we think about innovation, creativity and the role of design in society. This episode includes AI-generated content.

OLIverse - 55 - CULTURE - How Olivetti Saved Leonardo's Last Supper

What role can a technology company play in preserving one of the world's most celebrated works of art? In this episode of OLIverse, we explore Olivetti’s extraordinary contribution to the restoration of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, a complex undertaking that lasted from 1982 to 1999. At a time when the mural was considered by many to be beyond recovery, Olivetti provided financial support, technological expertise and organizational leadership to help guide one of the most ambitious conservation projects ever attempted. Through scientific research, innovative restoration techniques and international collaboration, centuries of damage, pollution and previous interventions were carefully addressed, revealing details and colors hidden for generations. Alongside the restoration itself, Olivetti promoted scholarly research, publications and exhibitions that transformed the project into a global cultural initiative. The story demonstrates how industry can contribute to safeguarding humanity’s shared heritage, proving that innovation can serve memory as effectively as it serves progress. This episode includes AI-generated content.

OLIverse - 54 - PRODUCTS - Olivetti Accounting Machines: The Bridge to Modern Computing

Before personal computers transformed office work, Olivetti was already redefining information management through advanced accounting systems. From the early Audit and Mercator machines to the electronic Auditronic and A-series, the company progressively merged typing, calculation, storage, and software into integrated office platforms. Magnetic memory, programmable functions, video displays, and modular architectures gradually replaced purely mechanical operations. This technological evolution culminated in the Business Computer Systems (BCS), marking the transition from specialized office equipment to modern computing logic. A story of innovation where administration, electronics, and software converged long before the rise of the personal computer. This episode includes AI-generated content.

OLIverse - 53 - ARCHITECTURE - Marco Zanuso and the Olivetti Plant in Argentina

Olivetti’s expansion into Argentina marked a decisive step in its transformation from a commercial presence to a fully developed industrial system abroad. To support growing demand in Latin America, the company commissioned architect Marco Zanuso to design the Merlo factory — a modular industrial complex built with innovative structural solutions and conceived for long-term adaptability. Inspired by the Ivrea model, the plant integrated production with green spaces and social services, reflecting a broader vision in which industrial efficiency and human well-being coexisted. During the 1960s and 1970s, the site became a key hub for mechanical calculator production across the region. This episode explores how Olivetti exported its architectural and cultural approach to industry, shaping a distinctive model of global manufacturing. This episode includes AI-generated content.

OLIverse - 52 - DESIGN - Olivetti PCs: Making Friendly a New Technology

In the early 1980s, personal computing was still unfamiliar territory for most people. To introduce the M20 and M24, Olivetti developed a communication strategy that moved away from technical complexity, choosing instead a visual language based on metaphor and familiarity. Campaigns featured children, animals, and domestic scenes, presenting computers as intuitive tools rather than intimidating machines. While the M20 emphasized design and versatility, the M24 focused on compatibility and performance, aligning with emerging industry standards. This episode explores how Olivetti translated advanced technology into accessible narratives — shaping trust in a market that had yet to fully understand the personal computer. This episode includes AI-generated content.