Atomium pavilion and esplanade

The first World Exhibition to be held after the Second World War took place in Brussels in 1958. During these glory days anything was possible, so the design of the countries’ pavilions was marked by a move away from traditional methods of construction.

The Belgian pavilion, better known as the Atomium, was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn. His bold idea of building a giant, walk-in sculpture of an iron atom, enlarged 165 billion times was intended as a homage to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the flourishing Belgian steel industry.

After the World Fair most of the pavilions were demolished, others were relocated. The Atomium was now standing on its own, a witness of a world event. Over time the aluminium skin lost its sheen, steel components began to rust and joints started leaking.

In 2001 a plan to refurbish the structure was launched and a competition was organized in 2004. We were asked if we wanted to take part in the competition. We accepted and based our concept on emotions and infinity.

We wanted the public to emotionally reconnect with this unique structure because over the years this feeling had been lost. Besides emotions, we were also inspired by infinity which is represented in the ring of Moebius. The inner space of the Atomium is ongoing and passes continuously through the spheres and the tubes. The circulation routes are like trails of emotion.

After several weeks we were chosen as one of the selected candidates to take part in the next phase of the competition.

During this second phase of the competition we were asked to design the interior of the entrance zone in the lower galette. We asked ourselves where the entrance actually was. The answer is obvious: It is not just passing through the doors, but the entrance is on a much larger scale.

We wanted to enhance the scenic qualities of the Atomium and strengthen the relationship between the inside and the outside, between the Boulevard du Centenaire and the Atomium. We wanted to place the Atomium into a new context, giving it back the glory it once had and the approach it longed for. We imagined what it would be like for a visitor to walk up to the Atomium from the Boulevard du Centenaire for the first time, as if on a stage set. The boulevard had to be rethought so as to welcome visitors in a spectacular manner and give them space to experience the Atomium.

In our masterplanning research we found two important parameters; the green lung of expo 58, the Ossegem park and Brussels Expo. We wanted to connect these two approaches in one movement. Based upon the infinite movement of the Moebius ring we conceived this new approach. We used the natural slope of the street to reinforce our urban thinking and the experience of the loop. Approaching from Brussels Expo, it would look as if the ground had been lifted, and would then become a canopy. The second movement, which is coming from the opposite site, makes the connection to the park. Both movements interweave with each other, they form a loop, in which you can travel eternally. Following the principle of the Moebius ring, a scenographic and artistic landscape was born.

Photograph by: - - - Atomium vzw

More info: http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/