The escalator: revolution in urban life since 1925 in Cologne

The escalator: revolution in urban life since 1925 in Cologne

The introduction of the escalator in 1925 was a milestone in the history of modern mobility. In Cologne, the first escalator was installed in the Tietz department store and opened up a new dimension of urban life to the citizens. How World According to reports, escalators were also put into operation in Berlin and Munich in the same year, with a lift boy initially assisting customers in the German capital. This innovation revolutionized the ability to move around urban spaces without great effort and was seen as an expression of a dynamic, urban society.

The first escalator was originally invented by Jesse W. Reno in the USA at the end of the 19th century and patented in 1892. Their first use took place at the Coney Island amusement park in New York. The proliferation of escalators was based on their potential to manage large crowds, which was indeed one of the major challenges in the emerging urban environment. There are around 39,000 escalators in use in Germany today, officially referred to as “escalators”. After the Second World War, they even became a symbol of the economic miracle in the Federal Republic.

Urban transformation and social justice

What is particularly remarkable is how escalators can fulfill not only practical but also social functions. A completely different but equally fascinating example can be found in Medellín, Colombia. How Plough describes, the violent past and the control by armed groups in Comuna 13 meant that urban development measures were urgently needed. Under Mayor Sergio Fajardo, open-air escalators were installed in this neighborhood in 2011 to improve accessibility and promote integration among residents.

The escalators, inaugurated on December 25, 2011, are now a tourist attraction and strengthen the identity of residents, reflecting on their painful past through art and stories. Attracted by its cultural diversity, the region recorded around 170,000 visitors in 2018, with 70 percent coming from abroad. Medellín's murder rate fell by an impressive 80 percent between 1991 and 2014, attributed in part to such social initiatives.

A look at the global escalator landscape

Escalators have become an indispensable part of urban life. They are particularly prominent in cities like London and Moscow, where the subway stations are often deep underground. One such example from Medellín shows how technology not only makes people's lives easier, but can also serve as a symbol of change and hope. Here it is important not only to look at the physical advancement, but also to appreciate the social dimensions of progress.

As it turns out, escalators can be much more than just mechanical aids. They stand for the progress of a society, for urban life without effort and the opportunity to transform communities. Whether in Cologne, Berlin or Medellín – the “moving stairs” remain a fascinating element of our cities.