ArcelorMittal Orbit

ArcelorMittal Orbit. It is a prominent public observation tower and monumental sculpture located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London. Commissioned as a permanent legacy artwork for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the structure was a joint vision between the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the chairman of ArcelorMittal, Lakshmi Mittal. Combining the artistic vision of sculptor Anish Kapoor with the engineering prowess of Cecil Balmond of Arup Group, it stands as the United Kingdom's tallest sculpture.

History and conception

The concept emerged from a desire to create a lasting landmark for the Olympic Park, with initial discussions involving Boris Johnson and Lakshmi Mittal in 2008. Inspired by visits to structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, Johnson sought an iconic attraction for East London. A design competition was held, ultimately selecting the proposal from Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond. The project was formally announced in March 2010, with substantial funding provided by the ArcelorMittal corporation, which also supplied the steel. Its unveiling coincided with the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, though modifications continued through the post-Games transformation of the park under the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Design and construction

The distinctive design is a collaboration between Turner Prize-winning artist Anish Kapoor and renowned structural engineer Cecil Balmond of the firm Arup Group. Their concept rejected a static form in favor of a continuously looping lattice, creating a sense of instability and movement. The primary construction contract was awarded to Sir Robert McAlpine, with detailed fabrication handled by Watson Steel Structures. The tower utilizes over 2,000 tonnes of steel, largely sourced from ArcelorMittal's plants, including recycled material. Key construction challenges involved the precise fabrication of the complex tubular nodes and the assembly of the twisting core, which was erected using a climbing crane system.

Structure and dimensions

Rising to 114.5 meters, it is the tallest sculpture in the United Kingdom. The structure consists of a continuous red steel lattice that twists around a central column, forming a looping observation pod at the top. The core is built upon a concrete foundation anchored deep into the ground of the Lea Valley. A major addition completed in 2014 is The Slide, designed by Carsten Höller, which wraps around the exterior, forming the world's tallest and longest tunnel slide. The observation platforms offer panoramic views across London, encompassing landmarks like The Shard, Canary Wharf, and the City of London.

Public access and use

Visitors can ascend via a high-speed lift to two main viewing platforms. The primary attraction, The Slide, provides a 40-second descent from the upper level. The tower is managed by the London Legacy Development Corporation and forms a key part of the visitor experience in the regenerated Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, alongside venues like the London Stadium and the Aquatics Centre. It has also been used for events such as ABBA Voyage launch celebrations and broadcasts by BBC Sport. Access is ticketed, with the surrounding parkland being freely accessible to the public.

Cultural impact and reception

Critical reception has been mixed, with some praising its bold ambition and others critiquing its aesthetic. It has been compared to structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Metro radio tower in Newcastle upon Tyne. The structure has featured in numerous media broadcasts, including coverage by ITV Sport and Sky News, and has become a recognizable symbol of the Olympic Park legacy. It has also inspired artistic responses and is often cited in debates about public art and architecture in London, contributing to the cultural landscape of Stratford alongside institutions like the V&A East.

Category:Buildings and structures in London Category:Observation towers in the United Kingdom Category:2012 Summer Olympics