The ArcelorMittal Orbit, a 376-foot tall sculpture and observation tower designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for the 2012 London Summer Olympics, is set to become the world's longest and tallest slide with the construction of a 591-foot long tube stretching from the tower's viewpoint all the way to the ground. The recently approved project, to be carried out by Bblur Architecture and Buro Happold Engineering according to the vision of the London Legacy Development Corporation, will result in a new tourist attraction that is expected to open in spring 2016.
The slide will extend 249 feet above the ground, spiraling around the tower five times before ending in a 164-foot deceleration run to the ground. Constructed of stainless steel with transparent sections, the slide will allow visitors to enjoy stunning view of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and east London as they plummet downwards at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. Thrill-seekers have to shell out only $8 for a 37-second, exhilarating ride of a lifetime.
“It's about adding another attraction to the attraction,” Peter Tudor, director of visitor services at Queen Elizabeth Park, told Standard. “We've already got Anish Kapoor's mirrors that turn everything upside-down, and the view. We're looking at what other experiences can we provide to engage with the sculpture.”
Above photo source: LLDC
Photo source: ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower via ArchDaily
Photo source: LLDC
Photo source: Wikipedia
Image source: Bblur Architecture
ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower: Website
via [ArchDaily, Standard]
