What is the year of construction for the London Eye?

The London Eye

The London Eye is a giant ferris wheel located in the heart of London, England. It is also known as the Millennium Wheel and stands at a height of 135 meters, making it the tallest ferris wheel in Europe. The London Eye was built to celebrate the new millennium and has since become a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of London’s skyline.

London Eye: A Brief History

The idea for the London Eye was first proposed in 1993 by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield. It was intended to be a temporary attraction, lasting only a few years. However, due to its immense popularity, it has remained a permanent fixture on London’s skyline. The London Eye was officially opened to the public on March 9, 2000, and has since become an iconic feature of the city.

Year of Construction for the London Eye

Construction of the London Eye began in 1998 and was completed in 1999. It was designed to be a temporary attraction, lasting only five years, but due to its overwhelming success, it has remained a permanent fixture on London’s skyline. The construction of the London Eye was a joint venture between several companies, including British Airways, who sponsored the project.

Design and Engineering of the London Eye

The London Eye was designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield. The ferris wheel consists of a giant steel rim, which is supported by steel cables and a central hub. The rim is made up of 32 capsules, each capable of holding up to 25 passengers. The passengers are seated in a circular arrangement, allowing them to enjoy a 360-degree view of London.

Planning and Approval for the London Eye

The planning and approval for the London Eye took several years to complete. The project required approval from several government agencies, including the London Borough of Lambeth and the Greater London Authority. The project also required approval from environmental groups, as it is located on the banks of the River Thames and is visible from several historic landmarks.

Construction Timeline of the London Eye

Construction of the London Eye began in 1998 and was completed in 1999. The construction process involved the installation of the steel rim, support cables, and central hub. The capsules were then attached to the rim, and the electrical and mechanical systems were installed. The entire project took approximately 18 months to complete.

Materials Used in Building the London Eye

The London Eye was built using a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and glass. The rim of the ferris wheel is made up of 1,700 tons of steel, while the capsules are made of aluminum and glass. The support cables are made of high-strength steel, and the central hub is made of reinforced concrete. The materials used in the construction of the London Eye were chosen for their durability and strength.

Building the World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel

The construction of the London Eye was a significant engineering feat, as it required the installation of the world’s tallest ferris wheel. The design and engineering of the London Eye were carefully planned to ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers. The ferris wheel is capable of withstanding winds of up to 100 mph and can carry up to 800 passengers per hour.

Launch and Reception of the London Eye

The London Eye was officially opened to the public on March 9, 2000. The launch of the ferris wheel was a major event, featuring a fireworks display and performances by several famous musicians. The London Eye quickly became a popular attraction, with over 3.5 million visitors in its first year of operation.

The London Eye Today: A Popular Tourist Attraction

Today, the London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, with over 3.75 million visitors each year. The ferris wheel offers stunning views of London’s skyline, including landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. The London Eye has also become a popular venue for corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the London Eye

The London Eye is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its designers and engineers. It has become an iconic feature of London’s skyline and a symbol of the city’s modernity and innovation. The London Eye has also had a significant economic impact on the city, attracting millions of tourists each year and generating millions of pounds in revenue. The legacy of the London Eye will continue to inspire future generations of designers, engineers, and architects.

References and Further Reading

"London Eye". (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2021, from https://www.londoneye.com/
"London Eye (Millennium Wheel)". (2021). Retrieved April 3, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/London-Eye