Since its first representation in 1851, universal expositions created some of the most memorable works of architecture. Usually, the different expositions had the official purpose to present the last technological innovations, but less officially to attain some political goals. Indeed, every host country tried their best to be worthy of the pride tied with the organization of such an event. In 1889, Paris launched a competition with the aim to build the boldest architectural realization ever made out of iron. At the end, Gustave Eiffel’s project was the project considered by the jury and the Eiffel Tower was built to become one of the most recognized building worldwide. In 1958, Brussels hosted the International Exposition. At this occasion, the Belgian government decided to create a building able to transcript the spirit of the event in honor of technology. The Atomuim perfectly matched the will to build a remarkable building and to pay a tribute to technology. The construction lasted for two years. During mid-twentieth century, achieving the construction of a steel building of this size in such amount of time was a real performance. The Atomium weighs 2400 tones of steel. Workers took turns night and day to finish the construction for the beginning of the Universal Exposition. During the two years of construction, the number of casualties remained null. This is really impressive considering the lack of security measures at that time. Destined to destruction after the end of the Exposition, the Atomium survived because it fitted with the Heysel Plateau where it is located. In 1958, people said the Atomium embodied the audacity of an era that wanted to intersect humankind's fate with scientific discoveries. The top floor is located 102 meters above the ground and offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. At its inauguration, the Atomium held some architectural records. For example, the only elevator of the structure was the fastest elevator in the world for a construction of this size. Also, the lateral escalators connecting the top sphere and two of the under spheres was the longest in the world. Currently in Brussels, the Atomium remains to be a great power of attraction. The building hosts different temporary exhibits (“Water for all” was the temporary exhibition the day of our visit) and also organizes receptions of groups. From a building that was destined to be deconstructed, the Atomium became one of the most energetic symbols of Brussels and is one of the symbols of the Belgian capital.
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