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Atomium
André Waterkeyn, André and Jean Polak | |
| location | Brussels |
| contributed by | HJI |
The Atomium is a modern monument in the Heizelpark in Brussels. Designed by the engineer André Waterkeyn for the International Exhibition of Brussels, that took place here in 1958, the Atomium is a steel structure that is half way between sculpture and architecture. It exists out of nine large spheres, each with a diameter of 18 meters. They are arranged in the configuration of a central cubic system and form an iron of cristal, magnified 165 billion times. Made entirely of steel clad with aluminium, the structure, at a hight of 102 metres and standing on three enormous bipods, dominates the Heysel plateau. The interior disposition of the spheres was being undertaken by architects André and Jean Polak. The Atomium was not intended to survive the Exhibition of 1958. Its popularity and success, however, ensured its place as a major landmark on the Brussels skyline.
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