London Eye - symbol of the new Millenium

London Eye
Cultural Attraction
in/near Central London, London,
England Greater London

Recommendation added: 27/04/2007 17:07
By: velvet202 (YSUK rating +191)

velvet202 has been thanked 4 times for this contribution

"In the summer of 1999, one of the most famous skylines in the world welcomed a new structure which now stands proudly as the fourth tallest construction in London, and a symbol of the new millennium and beyond. The London Eye, or Millennium Wheel, was conceived and designed by the London architects Julia Barfield and David Marks, and is a privately funded venture between them, British Airways and the Tussauds Group.
The London Eye was designed to embrace the new millennium, and the concept of a wheel was proposed as a symbol of the cycle of life and the turning of time. The wheel both commemorates London's history and anticipates its future. Although a landmark in its own right, the London Eye was designed to be more than just a momentum. It is an attraction which enables its visitors to observe the city of London from an entirely new perspective.
Due to the immense size of the structure, and the impossibility of its manufacture at one single site, work on the many different components of the London Eye was carried out throughout Europe. British Steel provided the material for the main structure which was constructed in Holland. Czech engineers cast the hub and spindle; the bearings were manufactured in Germany, the cables made in Italy, and the 32 passenger-carrying capsules were constructed in France. All the completed individual parts were then transported to London, where they were sailed up the River Thames on a barge to the site of assembly. At 330 tones, the hub and spindle was the heaviest piece of the London Eye, and consequently, care had to be taken to ensure that the platforms which had been laid down at the site could in fact bear the weight. These temporary platforms had been built up from the river bed, and it was on these that the London Eye was horizontally assembled.
Once fully compiled, the London Eye now is the biggest observation wheel in existence. The capsules were designed to offer their passengers an all-encompassing view of London. From whichever angle the city is observed the field of vision is clear and unobstructed, as extreme care was taken in the design to ensure that no part of the structure interfered with the passengers' view. A complete 360 degrees rotation of the wheel lasts 30 minutes, and the capsule can accommodate 25 people in each. On a beautiful day the viewing range from the capsules extends over 40 km, enabling the visitor to see as far s Windsor Castle.
The London Eye is one Britain's most fascinating attractions and suitable for all age groups. It is open throughout the year and I highly recommend it as part of any London sightseeing tour."