Making of the London Eye

The London Eye is a unique and versatile structure, comprising the best of British architecture and design, rising high above London's skyline at 135 metres. Creating the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world was a great challenge. In this section you are able to learn about the different components, read fascinating facts and figures and even create the London Eye for yourself. See below for more details.

Capsules

The London Eye passenger capsules incorporate an entirely new design form for an observation wheel. Instead of being suspended under gravity they turn within circular mounting rings fixed to the outside of the main rim, thereby allowing a spectacular 360 degree panorama at the top.

The 32 high-tech capsules have a heating and cooling system and have a bench seating. The London Eye capsules represent the 32 boroughs of London.

Cables

The London Eye uses two types of cable: wheel cables and backstay cables. Wheel cables include 16 rim rotation cables, and 64 spoke cables. These are similar to bicycle spokes and stretch across the wheel. There are six backstay cables, which are located in the compression foundation.

Foundation

The compression foundation is situated underneath the A - frame legs; it required 2,200 tonnes of concrete and 44 concrete piles - each being 33 metres deep. The tension foundation, holding the backstay cables, used 1,200 tonnes of concrete.

Spindle

The main elements of the hub and spindle were manufactured in cast steel. The spindle was too large to cast as a single piece so instead was produced in eight smaller sections. Two further castings, in the form of great rings form the main structural element of the hub. The hub is a rolled steel tube forming the spacer that holds them apart. All the casting was carried out by Skoda Steel.