By Karin Bendixen

Designed to be both beautiful and enjoyable, providing breathtaking views in a unique and different way! These were just some of the aspirations behind the Millennium Wheel – known familiarly as the London Eye. The idea was conceived and designed by two architects, David Marks and Julia Barfield, for British Airways.

Looking out of the glass windows of one of the 32 capsules, 443ft (135 m) above the River Thames, on top of the Millennium Wheel, I must admit this is a unique experience – in terms of view and perception of height.

And it is an experience that is accessible to everybody.

From the square in front of the London Eye, stairs and a ramp lead the visitor to the platform in front of the capsules. From there, passengers may walk straight through the wide doors of the capsules. If necessary, the wheel may be stopped – e.g. to allow a wheelchair user the time it takes to board. The stop will hardly be noticed by other passengers.

The fully enclosed, high-tech capsule takes Crisp & Clear’s correspondent and her fellow-passengers on a fantastic 30 minute ride that offers an unparalleled 25 mile view.

The capsule turns mechanically, remaining outside the structure throughout the ride. Passengers may walk freely around inside the capsule, which is kept level by a motorised motion stability system. In the middle of the capsule there is a beautiful wooden bench, designed in the same oval shape as the capsule itself.

This new urban landmark – almost opposite the Houses of Parliament on the South Bank of the Thames – is a unique accomplishment of engineering and design. Have a pleasant flight!


Access to the capsule is not obstructed by any diffences in levels, doors are motorised and automaically controlled to be open.

Facts

• It took seven years and the expertise of hundreds of people from all over Europe to make the dream of the world’s largest observation wheel come true
• 1,700 tonnes of British steel
• 120 feet taller than Big Ben
• Opened in March 2000
• 800 passengers per revolution
• 2.2 million passengers a year
• Each capsule can accommodate 25 persons

Published in Crisp & Clear No. 2, July 2000