100 years of escalator: Cologne's promotion to the modern city world!

100 years of escalator: Cologne's promotion to the modern city world!

Medellín, Kolumbien - On July 11, 1925, history was written in Cologne: Germany's first escalator opened its doors in the Tietz department store. This "roller footstore" not only promised a saving of time and money, but also heralded the age of urban living environments. The city of Cologne was a pioneer in Germany, and only a few months later Berlin and Munich followed with the introduction of similar systems. In Berlin it was even common for a lift boy to assist the customer while using the escalator. Rillers quickly became the symbol of modern life and a strongly changing urban environment, such as [sueddeutsche.de] (https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/premierein-koeln-im-jahr-jahr-jahre- Rolltreppe-Fuer-30-Sekunden-Dpa.urn-Newsml-Dpa-Com-Com-250710-780282) reported.

The history of the escalator goes back to the late 19th century when Jesse W. Reno had a surrounding platform patented. The first practical escalator opened in 1892 in the Coney Island amusement park, New York. Rillers quickly became the preferred means to control large crowds - a concept that has proven itself in the urban architectural scene to this day. There are now around 39,000 escalators in Germany. After the Second World War, they played a central role in the Post-War economy and became part of the economic miracle. Reinhard Mey sings the experiences of his childhood on escalators, and in urban environments they have become a norm.

The fascination of the escalator

Missing hygiene concepts, however, meant that many parents advised their children not to hold on to the handrail. But despite such concerns, the escalator continues to attract attention - not only in shopping centers, but also as a cinematic element, such as in "Skyfall", where James Bond uses it as a slide. In the meantime, in cities such as London and Moscow, particularly long and fast escalators have been established in subway stations, and this also applies to Medellín, where escalators were installed in the Comuna 13 to improve access and reduce crime, so plouweh.com.

Comuna 13 in Medellín is a prime example of urban change. Formerly controlled by armed groups and the scene of the Operation Orion 2002, the quarter has changed significantly since then thanks to various urban planning projects. These initiatives also include the installation of open -air stairs, which serves as a tourist attraction: in 2018 they attracted around 170,000 visitors, including 70 percent international tourists. These escalators not only symbolize hope and progress, but also a common identity that is preserved in the local community by art and stories.

an example of positive change

The changes in Medellín are therefore not just structural nature. They reflect a profound social transformation that goes hand in hand with the decrease in the murder rate and the decline in crime. Under the mayor Sergio Fajardo, the urban change was relocated, which should significantly improve the quality of life for residents. Even today, the way to justice and social equality in the region is an issue that is by no means completed, such as archdaily.com.

The escalator, whether in Cologne or Medellín, remains a fascinating example of how urban infrastructure can not only make everyday life easier, but can also initiate cultural and social change. And while we celebrate the hundred -year birthday of the Cologne escalator, it turns out that even the simplest technical achievements can have a profound effect on society.