The London Eye, a giant observation wheel, is located in the Jubilee
Gardens on the South Bank. The structure was designed by the architectural
team of David Marks and Julia Barfield, husband and wife. The 135 meter
(443ft) tall structure was built as part of London’s millennium celebrations.
Construction of the observation wheel took more than a year and a
half to complete. In the process over 1700 tonnes of steel were used for the
structure and more than 3000 tonnes of concrete were used for the
foundations. The futuristic looking capsules, accommodating up to 25
passengers, were transported all the way from France by train through the
Channel. Each egg-shaped capsule is 8 meters long and weighs 500kg. The
25 meter (82 ft) long spindle was built in the Czech Republic. The rim has a
diameter of 122m (400ft), about 200 times the size of a bicycle wheel. 80
spokes connect the rim with the spindle.
The observation wheel turns slow enough for people to embark while
it is moving. A complete turn takes about 30 minutes. Thanks to the
construction of the glass capsules on the outer side of the rim, the passengers
have a great 360° view over London. Many famous landmarks are clearly
visible, including the Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral and
the Houses of Parliament. On a clear day you can see as far as 40 km (25
miles).