ArcelorMittal Orbit, London Olympics 2012

ArcelorMittal Orbit is a red-colored observation tower located within the London Olympic Park. Regarded as the largest public art in Britain, it was built at a cost of £19.1 as a permanent feature of the park. The design for this structure came from a competition held in 2009. Five submissions were shortlisted, including one by Antony Gormley, who designed Angel of the North. The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, wanted something bold that will stand out and be an iconic addition to the skyline of East London.

The winning designed was unveiled on 31 March, 2010. It was the work of Mumbai-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor, in collaboration with Sri Lanka-born engineer Cecil Balmond. The project is being financed by India-born Lakshmi Mittal, the richest man in the United Kingdom, Europe and India, and fourth richest in the world.

ArcelorMittal Orbit stands at a height of 115 meters. It will have two observation platforms. Built at a cost of £20 million, the tower is sited in the London Borough of Newham and is expected to be ready in time for the opening of the 2010 Olympic Games.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit project has been criticised for its bold design, viewed negatively as a roller coaster wreckage and art of doubtful merit. Those who appreciate it lauds it as a succcessful fusion of art, architecture and structural engineering.

The name of the tower is derived from the name of Lakshmi Mittal's company, ArcelorMittal. The name Orbit has been a working name for the tower when it was being conceptualized by Kapoor and Balmond.

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