When the panoramic viewer was created in the dome of the Saint Stephen's Basilica, two elevators were also built in, but these were not accessible to disabled people, since the main entrance is located at the top of a long set of stairs. This is what necessitated the building of an elevator that would service disabled people as well. In order to be able to avoid the long set of stairs, however, this elevator could only be positioned outside, next to the façade.
To make the elevator nice and transparent at all times, to avoid condensation, it is surrounded by huge heated glass panels. To maintain “invisibility,” the structure is composed of glass pillars and glass beams. In addition to the structural supports and the control panels of the elevator, we also hid all cables and electronic systems.
The final result is a beautiful, unique glass structure that lives in symbiosis with the Basilica: it is able to remain invisible in the shadow of the monumental building, while at the same time playing an important role in its day-to-day functioning.
