The world-famous Atomium in Brussels, an architectural landmark from the 1958 World’s Fair, has equipped its restaurant in the top sphere with speakers from the IS Series. This installation aimed to create a pleasant atmosphere with background music and achieve optimal sound results for party music and speech transmissions, such as during corporate events or incentives.
Some of Atomium’s spheres, which measure 18 meters in diameter, can be rented for events. The top sphere, where the restaurant is located and equipped with the IS Series, can accommodate up to 100 people. Access to the restaurant is via an elevator. Other spheres are accessible through cross braces with escalators.
In the circularly arranged restaurant, a total of 12 IS6T speakers, 2 IS26T speakers, 1 IS8S subwoofer, and 1 IS12S subwoofer were installed. All units were strategically placed within the steel structure of the restaurant to ensure even sound distribution. The sound calibration posed a particular challenge due to the spherical shape of the room. Another noteworthy feature of this installation is the colour adaptation of the speakers to match the historical steel structure of the building, carried out by the technical service provider Diffusion Event with Benjamin Moreas, head of Diffusion Event, which was responsible for the installation.
Nicolas Monballiu from Diffusion Event explains: “We were looking for a system that meets the highest acoustic standards for music and speech transmission and seamlessly integrates into the unique design of the building. The Atomium, a representation of a crystalline elementary cell of the element iron magnified 165 billion times, requires special consideration of its design and functionality.”
The installation of the IS Series is an additional component of the unique atmosphere and perfectly blends into the lighting design, architecture, and culinary concept of the location – all complemented by an unparalleled view over Brussels and Belgium and another milestone in the enhancement of this internationally renowned landmark following the complete renovation in 2006.