London Eye

In 2000, the world’s largest observation wheel, the London Eye, was opened for people to observe 135 meters above London. This landmark was designed by the architectural couple, David Marks and Julia Barfield. They designed the London Eye for a competition of making a landmark for the new millennium. The London Eye was made in over a year and a half. It needed over 1700 tons of steel and more than 3000 tons of concrete for the base. The capsules within the London Eye provide enough space for twenty-five people to enjoy the circular tour of the London Eye. Each capsule is eight meters long and weighs 500 kg. Moreover, the London Eye consists of a 25 meter spindle that is connected to the rim, which has a width of 122 meters.
When riding the London Eye, it takes about thirty minutes to complete the whole tour. The ride is slow so that people are able to enjoy the stunning view of London. Since the capsules are made of glass, passengers have a 360۫ view. People are able to have exquisite sights over Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, Battersea Power Station and beyond.
The London Eye was made only as a temporary display, but fortuitously, it became permanent because of its popular feature, and now tourists like us are able to experience this amazing overlook of London.

Questions:
Why was the London Eye designed?
If each capsule weighs 500kg, how much would it weigh in pounds?
Why is the London Eye still present now?

Sources:
“London Eye.” Online: A View on Cities. 12 February 2010.
< http://www.aviewoncities.com/london/londoneye.htm>.

London. China: Lonely Planet Publications: 2006.