As part of its series of exhibitions dedicated to architecture and design after 1958, the Atomium proudly presents ARCHITECTONIC. Concrete Walls (1958-1980). This exhibition is a great opportunity to learn about the technical aspects and aesthetic dimension of a major, fundamental element of post-war Belgian and international architecture. Once again, the Atomium’s aim is to familiarise people with modern architecture.
Until the 1970s, an elegant concrete arrow reached out from just a few hundred metres away from the Atomium. The Civil Engineering arrow, a tribute to the glory of Belgian engineering, impressed many a visitor. On the Heysel Plateau, this was not even the only example of the architectural majesty of concrete. As World Fairs were determined to refl ect a century that was proud of its progress, Hall 5 of the 1945 Expo had already demonstrated the indulgence that this new material would allow.
It was therefore obvious that the Atomium, the symbol of Expo 58, would be the perfect setting for this wonderful exhibition. The aim of ARCHITECTONIC. Concrete Walls (1958-1980) is to bring back a major architectural material that was used in architecture from 1945 onwards. Often criticised, synonymous for some with Brusselisation, ARCHITECTONIC. Concrete Walls (1958-1980) tells visitors the important story of concrete in architecture. In the many urban developments that Brussels has lived through over recent decades, from housing to community facilities, as well as offi ces, today more than ever, concrete plays a vital role.
Concrete has the ability to surprise ! It amazes with the excitement and the rhythm of its façades and structures that sum up our everyday lives. Since the beginning of the last century, concrete has gradually made its mark on architecture for better and sometimes for worse ARCHITECTONIC. Concrete Walls (1958-1980) is spread over three fl oors to dazzle visitors and help them truly appreciate the architecture of the Belgian buildings that we use every day.
After an interactive introduction, to help visitors understand what concrete is and what it can create in terms of architecture, there is a presentation of a number of symbolic buildings in Brussels and in Belgium, explaining the architectural poetry of a very modern material.