Retrofit lighting to preserve heritage columns

The Atomium, a monumental 102m high structure, was built for the 1958 World Fair in Brussels. Originally intended as a temporary wonder, its enduring appeal has made it one of Belgium's most cherished symbols. It attracts around 600,000 visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions and iconic landmarks in Brussels.  
 

A partner in enhancing heritage

Schréder has always played its part in shining a light on this iconic monument. In 1958, thanks to our expertise in working with aluminium, we were entrusted with the electro-polishing of the 9 spheres and over the years we have delivered lighting solutions to ensure a safe and pleasant visit to the area so that visitors can admire it in all its splendour. 

In 1999, we worked with the lighting designer Patrick Rimoux, to develop the ATOM, a bespoke luminaire to light Bruparck, a large entertainment park at the foot of the Atomium and Boulevard du Centenaire, the esplanade leading to the landmark. With its imposing triangular shape, it created a distinctive identity for the area, contrasting with the round spheres of the Atomium. 
 

Upgrade a luminaire in excellent condition

We have always built our luminaires to last, and the ATOM, with its robust materials (opaline acrylic and stainless steel) and design (IK 10) was no different. So when the City of Brussels decided in 2022 to upgrade the lighting on Boulevard du Centenaire to LED technology as part of an energy efficiency plan, it was reluctant to remove the ATOM light columns, which had become a striking feature of the landscape and were still in excellent condition.

As our Schréder STUDIO teams have plenty of experience in retrofitting heritage luminaires that cities want to preserve, we proposed to keep the existing ATOM structures and to replace the old discharge lamps with modern LED optics.
 

Improved quality of light with 75% less energy 

At 8m high, the original ATOM featured two optical units – one at the top and one at the base of the luminous tube, both were fitted with a 300W metal halide lamp with ceramic arc tube. After carrying out a photometric study, we retrofitted each optical unit with the latest LEDs, reducing the total power of the installation to 150W, which significantly reduces energy consumption by 75%.

The LED optics, which incorporate the latest photometric distributions to meet Belgian lighting standards, provide a better quality of light with greater uniformity on paths and roads, improving visibility and therefore safety in the area. 
 

Smart control for even more energy savings

All 66 ATOM columns lighting the esplanade have been fitted with a OWLET IV node connected to the Schréder EXEDRA smart lighting system. By adapting the light levels to what is actually needed, even more energy is saved, contributing to a low-carbon future for Brussels.  

An open and interoperable platform, Schréder EXEDRA integrates the platform managed by Sibelga, the city’s lighting operator through the TALQ protocol. All of the data collected will enable Sibelga to optimise the efficiency and service life of the installation as it now has a precise overview of each luminaire.

Over time, this data-driven approach will enable Sibelga to make more strategic decisions for smart city management.
 

A more circular approach for a sustainable legacy

By retrofitting the ATOM lighting columns with energy-efficient LED technology, the city of Brussels is preserving the distinctive character of the esplanade leading to the Atomium while reducing its energy consumption and carbon footprint. This forward-thinking approach aligns with a more circular economy, minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency, paving the way for a more sustainable city. 

We were delighted to work with the city of Brussels and Sibelga on this project, creating a sustainable lighting legacy around one of the country's most iconic landmarks and honouring our Belgian roots.