It’s a strange looking sculpture alright which has split opinion, but construction of the ArcelorMittal Orbit at the Olympic site in East London is now well underway.
The observation tower is set to stand 115m tall when completed, and will be made from a continuous looping lattice of tubular steel, painted a striking deep red.
When it’s finished, the tower will have two viewing platforms located 76m and 80m above the ground, with the upper viewing platform offering an outside terrace.
Access to the tower will be via two lifts, and there will also be a spiral staircase descending from the viewing platforms providing emergency access.
Described by the Independent as, “a continuously looping lattice…made up of eight strands winding into each other and combined by rings like a jagged knot,” the steel sculpture will be Britain’s largest piece of public art, and is intended to be provide a lasting legacy of London’s hosting of the 2012 Summer Olympics
Dreamt up by Anish Kapoor and structural designer, Cecil Balmond, the tower has already reached over half way, and the Olympic Park Legacy Company have released two videos showing the work in progress.
The first video shows a time-lapse video of the base of the tower under construction:
The second video (which the feckers won’t let us embed) shows the work that’s been done in May 2011, and also provides a good size comparison with the Olympic Stadium.
The tower is due to be finished in March 2012. I like it.
See: Olympic stadium walk – Mile End to Victoria Park and Bow along the canal
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