Atomium of Brussels
The Atomium is an iconic structure located in Brussels, Belgium. It was built as part of the 1958 Brussels World's Fair and has become one of the city's main symbols. Here is some information about the construction of the Atomium:
- Design and architect: The design of the Atomium was carried out by Belgian engineer and architect André Waterkeyn. It was conceived as an enlarged representation of an iron crystal structure, with nine interconnected spheres forming a cubic figure. Each sphere has a diameter of 18 meters.
- Materials: The structure of the Atomium is mainly composed of steel and aluminum. Around 2,400 tons of steel were used for its construction.
- Construction process: The Atomium was built using advanced engineering techniques for the time. Each of the spheres was prefabricated separately and then assembled on site. The spheres are interconnected by tubes and stairs, allowing access and circulation between them.
- Central elevator: In the central core of the Atomium, there is an elevator that transports visitors to the top sphere, offering a panoramic view of the city of Brussels. This elevator was one of the first inclined elevators in the world and was a significant technological advancement at the time.
- Renovation: Over the years, the Atomium has undergone renovation and restoration processes to maintain its structure in good condition. The last major renovation took place in 2006, aiming to update and improve the facilities, as well as ensure visitor safety.
The Atomium has witnessed various events and exhibitions over the years and has become an important tourist attraction in Brussels. Its unique design and symbolic significance have made it a recognizable icon worldwide.