Location: South Bank of the River Thames, London Date completed: Officially opened 31st December 1999 (open to public 7 March 2000) Designers: Original concept, David Marks and Julia Barfield Function: Ferris Wheel

Normally, landmarks take centuries to establish themselves in the regard of the public. The London Eye has become an iconic part of London's cityscape despite operating only since 2000. The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel, the biggest in the world at the time of its launch. It carries passengers in 32 specially designed capsules, each air conditioned and sealed, weighing 11 tons and carrying up to 25 people. Located on the South bank of the Thames, the London Eye is 443 ft (135 m) tall and offered the highest vantage point in London until surpassed by the observation deck of the Shard. Despite the construction of other taller Ferris wheels around the world, it remains the biggest in Europe and claims to be the largest cantilevered observation wheel (the larger Ferris wheels are supported by double 'A' frames). The wheel rotates at a leisurely 0.26 m per second (0.6 mph/0.9 km hr) - twice as fast as a tortoise!), so a complete rotation takes 30 minutes. The capsules are maintained in the horizontal position by computers that activate tilt switches when necessary. On a clear day, passengers can see for 25 miles (40 km) - as far as Windsor Castle to the West.

The London Eye was the brainchild of David Marks and Julia Barfield, who were a husband and wife architectural team. It took seven years and the skills and products of six countries to make their vision a reality. The pre-fabricated components of the structure were delivered to the site along the River Thames and the wheel was assembled lying flat on piled dolphins sunk into the river. Once complete it was lifted into an upright position in two phases at the rate of 2 cm per hour. It was finally secured in a vertical position on 11th October 1999. The final capsule was fitted on 11th November. The London Eye was officially opened by then Prime Minister Tony Blair on 31st December 1999, although due to technical problems it was not opened to the public until 9th March 2000. Today it is the most popular paid-for visitor attraction in the UK.