S07 → N400
The Spike of Fascinating & Unexpected
SPIKE 17
→ ORB.
© 1. Buckminster Fuller — “Montreal Biosphere”, a museum dedicated to the environment in Montreal, Canada on fire in 1976 (housed in the former United States pavilion constructed for Expo 67) / 2. unknown — The “Atomium” / 3. Universal History Archive — Model of a Telstar satellite later attached to the Thor-Delta rocket / 4. Victor Lundy — “Space Flowers” for the New York World’s Fair of 1964-65 / 5. UVATERV — Jászai Mari Square playground in Budapest (1968) / 6.7.8. unknown — The “Atomium” / 9. Gilmore D. Clarke — “Unisphere", a spherical stainless steel representation of the Earth at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York, U.S., for the 1964 New York World’s Fair / 10. The Atlantic — Rosalie Fairbanks, a guide to the New York World’s Fair, points to the theme of the exposition: the “Trylon and Perisphere” in New York (1939) / 11. Worldwide Building and Landscape Pictures — The Pantheon in Rome, Italy (circa 118–125).
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In addition to its practical advantages, the orb shape has also been associated with symbolism and cultural significance throughout history. For instance, in Islamic architecture, the dome or orb shape represents the heavens and the cosmos, reflecting the concept of unity and the divine. Similarly, in Eastern cultures such as China and Japan, the orb shape is often used to symbolise harmony, balance, and the cyclical nature of existence.
A famous example of orb architecture is the Atomium in Brussels constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58). Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, it resembles a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The structure consists of nine stainless steel spheres, each 18 meters in diameter, connected by tubes. These orbs are linked by escalators and stairs, facilitating movement between them. Originally symbolising the Atomic Age and scientific progress, the Atomium represents atoms of iron and embodies themes of scientific exploration and international cooperation during the Cold War era. Standing at 102 meters tall, it is illuminated at night and stands out prominently in the Brussels skyline. Beyond its symbolic significance, the Atomium serves as a popular tourist attraction and exhibition space. It houses displays about its history, the 1958 World’s Fair, and hosts temporary exhibitions related to science, design, and technology. In the early 2000s, the Atomium underwent significant renovation to update its infrastructure and enhance visitor facilities, including modernising escalators and installing new lighting systems.
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→ Sourced from: SYSTEM 02 (Altanube Pando) / SYSTEM 03 (Specteore)
→ Stored online: N400 Spikes Repository
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→ Search log: Google images
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