The most popular stainless steel buildings and attractions you must see!

Today, stainless steel is used to build both machines and pure wonders of modern architecture.

07:22 15 July 2024

Today, stainless steel is used to build both machines and pure wonders of modern architecture. Let's have a look, then. Read our article and learn about those spectacular objects. Perhaps one of them is closer than you think.

The symbols of Europe

Many would say that the Eiffel Tower in Paris is made from stainless steel alloy. That is not exactly true. Iron is the most common building material used for this particular construction. In Brussels, however, there is a more modern symbol of Europe. The Atomium. It is a smart composite of aluminium and corrosion-resistant stainless steel sheets. Built in 1958, it commemorates the EXPO in Belgium. It represents the age of the atom, so its author – André Waterkeyn – implemented the familiar atomic shape to express the significance of science. It has nine spheres connected with stainless steel pipes. There are stairs inside, but only the top sphere is available to visitors. The whole object is 102 meters tall. It weighs 2400 tons.

Engineering like no other

The Atomium monument is an artiAstic achievement. Tropical Islands near Berlin have a bit more engineering involved. This is a massive entertainment centre under a dome with the capacity of 8,200 visitors a day. It is therefore the largest indoor water park in the world. The construction is made of metal alloys and glass. Since it has to deal with a lot of moisture, austenitic stainless steel plays a role in its support. The scale of the building is truly mind-blowing. Some say it is even more impressive than all the attractions kept under it. One is clear, though – every engineer should see the Tropical Islands at least once.

The Bean: a stainless steel masterpiece

A steel alloy in art is something that can be witnessed in downtown Chicago. Cloud Gate, commonly known as The Bean, was built from metal sheets. They were welded together and polished afterwards. The work is so refined that there are no seams visible throughout the entire surface. A spectator can have the impression that the Cloud Gate is a single stainless steel sheet bent in the shape of a bean. This particular monument reflects the surroundings like a mirror, distorting them in a special way. The effect is more than impressive, especially with the skyscrapers. It is worth mentioning that a bean grain was not an inspiration for Anish Kapoor, who designed the monument. It was liquid mercury and its visual properties.

The DNA bridge from Asia

Have you heard about the Helix Bridge? This is yet another modern stainless steel construction that was inspired by nature and science. It is located in Singapore and has been available to pedestrians since 2010. At night, the structure is illuminated by colourful lights. During the day, the composition of steel and glass astonishes with its overall design. The concept, its execution, excellent corrosion resistance alongside durability meet all the standards of the stainless steel industry. It is indeed a true wonder of our age.

Stainless steel online

All the above monuments and buildings were constructed with materials available online. Most stainless steel grades can be bought on the internet these days. The Stainless Europe store is one of the best suppliers. Ships all over the continent. It has alloys with crevice corrosion resistance, able to withstand significant heat treatment. Duplex stainless steels with chromium content, weld neck flanges, seamless tubes – all for the taking as we speak. This is perhaps a wonder, too, because now everyone can make their own Cloud Gates at home.