Building Big Ben's Bigger, Rounder Cousin: The Curious Case of the London Eye
Ah, the London Eye. Towering over the Thames, a giant Ferris wheel offering stunning views and a spot of fancy air-conditioned sightseeing. But have you ever stopped to think, "Just how in the world did they build that thing?" Well, buckle up, because it's a tale of engineering marvels, Thames-based buoyancy, and a whole lot of "hold my beer" moments.
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| How Was The London Eye Built |
Step 1: Designing a Dream (or Maybe a Nightmare Made of Metal)
The mastermind behind this beauty was a husband-and-wife architect duo, Julia Barfield and David Marks. Now, these two weren't exactly short on ambition. They envisioned a giant cantilevered wheel, meaning it would be supported on one side only, leaning like a tipsy giant. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket (or should we say, pod?)
Subheading: Not Your Average Ikea Trip - Building in Sections
Building this behemoth wasn't exactly a walk in the park (or a stroll along the South Bank). The wheel was simply too big to be constructed on land. So, our intrepid engineers got creative. They built the entire thing in sections, like a colossal Lego set. Each section took a leisurely trip up the Thames on a barge, where they were all meticulously assembled on a special platform in the river.
Subheading: From Floaties to Ferris: The Great Uprightening
Now, here comes the impressive part. Once all the sections were connected, came the big kahuna: getting that giant metal circle upright. They didn't just shove it with a bunch of workmen (although that would have been entertaining). Instead, they used a fancy contraption called a strand jack system, basically a bunch of super-powered jacks that slowly but surely lifted the entire structure into its iconic vertical position. Imagine a child's jacks game on steroids!
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Fun Fact: The whole construction process took a cool seven years and a hefty £75 million. That's a lot of tea and crumpets!
The Grand Opening (with a Few Hiccups)
With a triumphant fanfare (or maybe just a relieved sigh), the London Eye was officially opened on New Year's Eve 1999. However, there were a few technical gremlins that put a damper on the party. The public had to wait a couple more months, until March 2000, to take their first spins on the wheel. Guess even giant wonders have their teething troubles!
So You Want to Build Your Own Giant Ferris Wheel? (Probably Not Recommended)
Let's be honest, constructing a marvel of engineering like the London Eye is best left to the professionals. But hey, if you're feeling inspired, here are some helpful FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions, not Frequently Attempted Questions):
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How to build a giant Ferris wheel in your backyard?
Don't. Seriously, just don't. Local zoning laws and physics will likely object.
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How to impress your friends with London Eye trivia?
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Mention the fact it was originally supposed to be dismantled after five years! Luckily, it proved too popular to take down.
How to get stunning views of London (without the construction hassle)?
Book yourself a ride on the London Eye! It's a much safer and more enjoyable option.
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How much does a ride on the London Eye cost?
Prices vary depending on the experience you choose, but you can check their website for current rates.
How to make the most of your London Eye experience?
Go on a clear day, grab some friends, and enjoy the breathtaking views!
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