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  AG Neovo displays interacting with millions of curious visitors. At a Glance - One of the Best Known Landmarks in Europe In 1958, Brussels, Belgium was host to the first major World's Fair since the end of WWII. Nearly 15,000 workers spent three years building the site on the Heysel plateau located seven kilometres northwest of the city. Expo '58, which had over 42 million visitors, is best known for a giant 102-meter high structure called the Atomium. Conceived as a monument for world peace and prosperity, the structure consists of nine steel spheres connected to form the shape of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The nine interconnected atoms also represent the nine regions of Belgium. The connecting tubes enclose escalators to exhibit halls and other public spaces contained within the nine spheres. Throughout the Atomium are interactive information kiosks equipped with AG Neovo displays to inform and entertain the curious onlookers. Both the Eiffel Tower, which was built for the 1889 World's Fair, and the Atomium were originally intended to be temporary structures that were scheduled to be demolished shortly after the fairs closed. Like the Eiffel Tower, however, the Atomium defied the wrecking ball and remained standing well past its intended life. It was viewed as an icon not only of the World's Fair, but of modern architecture and Brussels. Decades later the Atomium Building remains one of the best known landmarks in Europe. The Environment - Futuristic Atmosphere In 2003, with declining attendance and a visibly deteriorating exterior, the Belgium government, the local city counsel, the non-profit Club Atomium among others raised 23 million Euros for the Atomium Renovation Project. Many companies contributed to this major undertaking which quickly got under way in 2004. The Club Atomium was critical in bringing together individuals and companies that were as passionate about the Atomium as they were. The renovations of the exterior included replacing the faded aluminium sheets on the spheres with stainless steel and bringing structural supports up to contemporary safety standards. Within the Atomium are visionary pieces of furniture. After over fifty years, the internationally celebrated designs by Eames, George Nelson, and Maarten Van Severen, still have an avant-garde, modern look illustrating the original design genius of the people who pioneered the Atomium. The Atomium Renovation Project tried to maintain the integrity of these designers while revamping exhibition spaces. The new restaurant and dormitory for visiting schoolchildren called "Kids Sphere Hotel" retain the round, rolling forms and colours wonderfully attuned to the futuristic atmosphere of the Atomium. Page 1 / 2 / Next |
  Quick Facts Environment The Atomium is an international landmark famous for futuristic modern design. It recently went through a major 3-year renovation project completed in 2007 and attracts half a million tourists a year. Display Solution 20 X-Series displays installed at interactive kiosks throughout the Atomium. Top Benefits
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