How the London Eye became a symbol of the UK’s capital
Now one of the UK’s most visited paid attractions, the London Eye’s future was not always so assured, architect Julia Barfield says
Floating high above the London skyline aboard her most famous creation, architect Julia Barfield is still giddy that the London Eye Ferris wheel has become a symbol of the city.
The initial priority was finding a breathtaking way to see the British capital, she said inside one of its 32 glass pods as it drifted against the backdrop of the Houses of Parliament.
Built to mark the turn of the millennium in 2000, it has since established itself as one of the UK’s most visited paid attractions. Each year around 3.5 million tourists take in its panoramic views on half-hour trips.
Stamped on souvenirs, sketched by street artists and snapped in an endless stream of selfies, the Eye has become nearly as big a landmark as Big Ben.
But its future was not always so assured.