Step construction

The step building from the north

The step building in Ittigen in the canton of Bern is a former nitrocellulose factory and a Swiss cultural asset of regional importance (B-list; KGS no .: 963).

history

Construction of the building began in 1924. Two years later, in 1926, the production of nitrocellulose began, which was continued until 1938. From 1973 the step building served only as a storage room.

After the building was included in the inventory of the cantonal antiquities of art in the preservation of monuments in 1990, it was used for cultural events such as concerts and theater performances. In the early 1990s, the step building was also one of the most famous clubs of the techno culture that was emerging at the time .

In 1995 a disco was opened and from 2004 artist studios were set up. Today the step building belongs to different floor owners who operate different businesses there. Since 2013, the top two floors have also been used as an event location again, but only for private events.

location

The hierarchical structure is right on the 1962 opened highway A1 and close to the SBB - and RBS -distance S7 .

Cable car

Inclined elevator in step construction

Since 1924, an inclined elevator designed for 750 kg has connected the valley station on the square in front of the building (514 m above sea level) with the mountain station on the 5th floor (537 m above sea level). There are seven intermediate stations on the 47 meter long route. The cabin for eight people is driven by a cable winch located in the valley station.

In 2017, the entire control system for the cable car including the drive was renewed. Since then, the gross vehicle weight has been limited from 800 kg to 750 kg (for ten people).