Atomium

Built for the 1958 World's Fair, the Atomium was originally going to be demolished after the event. Yet after its renovation, this structure representing an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times remains standing thanks to some of the most advanced materials. Its nine spherical "atoms" are now covered in stainless steel and fitted with high-insulation glazing. New metal sheeting was also designed to retain the latticed look of the original jointing, while meeting today's fire, thermal and sound insulation standards.

The need to adapt certain materials for use with spherical forms led the team to develop several custom solutions. For example, each panel containing frameworks and glazing was made individually to measure.

The team electrolytically polished the stainless-steel cladding to obtain a smooth, shiny mirrored surface that cuts back on pollution, since the polish allows the surfaces to clean themselves whenever it rains.

The project’s original 28-month schedule was cut to just 22, thanks to the brilliant solutions developed and the methods used, notably while installing panels and glazing onto tubes and spheres perched up to 100 m off the ground. After a strict analysis of the structure’s stability and wind resistance, the panels were hoisted into place using a giant crane and affixed by professional climbers.