ArcelorMittal Orbit Becomes UK's Tallest Sculpture
10/31/2011 - The ArcelorMittal Orbit, a sculpture and public viewing platform designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Park, reached its full height of 114.5 m, marking the completion of the main steelwork.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit, a sculpture and public viewing platform designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Park, reached its full height of 114.5 m, marking the completion of the main steelwork.
The top lattice loop of the sculpture was lifted into place by the same team who has constructed the ArcelorMittal Orbit since breaking ground in November last year. The completion of this keystone piece marks the end of the main steel construction works onsite, before the sculpture begins its fit-out in preparation for the Games.
Now standing as UK's tallest sculpture, 22 m taller than the Statue of Liberty, the ArcelorMittal Orbit consists of a continuous looping lattice constructed using 2000 tonnes of steel. Situated between the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre, the ArcelorMittal Orbit will offer visitors views of up to 20 miles.
The realization of the sculpture was made possible by Arup’s engineers and technical experts. Ushida Findlay Architects completed the design and integration of the architectural elements of the sculpture, including the visitor staircase that winds around the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
"Speaking on behalf of our employees across the world, it gives me great pride to see the ArcelorMittal Orbit finally reveal its full height; it is an ideal showcase for the versatility of steel," said Lakshmi N. Mittal, Chairman and CEO, ArcelorMittal. "We conceived this project in partnership with Mayor Boris Johnson, Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, not only to provide an iconic, cutting-edge centerpiece for London 2012, but to ensure the Olympic legacy will stretch well beyond the Games itself, helping to ensure the ongoing regeneration of this part of London."
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is expected to be completed and handed over to the Olympic Park Legacy Co. in May 2012 in preparation for opening by LOCOG during the Games. After a period of transformation, the Legacy Co. is expected to re-open it as a visitor attraction.
As Tier 2 sponsors of London 2012, ArcelorMittal has committed to funding up to £19.6 million of the £22.7 million cost of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, with the outstanding £3.1 million provided by the Greater London Authority. It has been estimated that the resulting visitor attraction will generate up to £10 million of revenue per annum and create up to 50 new jobs following the 2012 Games.
