ArcelorMittal Orbit

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a striking sculptural observation tower located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. Designed as a fusion of art, architecture, and engineering, it was constructed as a lasting symbol of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rising 114.5 metres, it is the tallest sculpture in the United Kingdom and a prominent landmark representing contemporary British creativity and industrial innovation.

Conception and Design

The idea for the ArcelorMittal Orbit emerged as part of the legacy plan for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The objective was to create a permanent structure that would commemorate the event while enhancing the urban landscape of the Olympic Park.
The project was commissioned by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and supported by the steel magnate Lakshmi N. Mittal, chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel company. The design was conceived by the renowned artist Sir Anish Kapoor in collaboration with structural engineer Cecil Balmond of Arup Group. Their shared vision was to blend sculpture and structure into a form that would embody motion, complexity, and the dynamic energy of modern London.
The name “ArcelorMittal Orbit” reflects both its sponsor and its design philosophy — an intertwining of industrial materiality and artistic expression, spiralling upwards in a continuous loop that symbolises the Olympic spirit of ambition and perseverance.

Structure and Engineering

Standing at 114.5 metres, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is built primarily from recycled steel, approximately 2,000 tonnes in total, with a significant portion donated by ArcelorMittal. The tower’s structure consists of a central steel trunk surrounded by looping latticework that gives the sculpture its distinctive, fluid appearance.
The design draws inspiration from Kapoor’s fascination with non-linear geometries and Balmond’s engineering expertise in creating complex, self-supporting forms. The structure does not follow traditional architectural symmetry; instead, it twists and contorts as it ascends, producing an illusion of perpetual motion.
Key technical features include:

• A central core housing lifts, staircases, and viewing platforms.
• Interlocking steel tubes of varying diameters forming an asymmetrical lattice.
• A double observation deck at 76 metres and 80 metres offering panoramic views across London, including landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, and Wembley Stadium.
• A system of red painted steel elements that symbolise energy and vitality, reflecting the colour of the ArcelorMittal brand and the dynamism of London itself.

Construction and Completion

Construction began in 2010 and was completed in 2012, coinciding with the opening of the London Olympic Games. The total cost was around £22.7 million, with the majority funded by ArcelorMittal and the remainder contributed by the Greater London Authority.
Over 60 per cent of the steel used in the Orbit came from recycled sources, underlining the project’s emphasis on sustainability. Despite its intricate design, the structure was assembled within a tight two-year period, a testament to precision engineering and effective project management.

Artistic and Symbolic Interpretation

The ArcelorMittal Orbit combines industrial strength with artistic abstraction. Its form is often interpreted as a three-dimensional representation of chaos and order, reflecting the complexity of human creativity. The looping red steel lattice suggests orbiting trajectories and infinite motion, symbolising the continuous cycle of progress and innovation.
Sir Anish Kapoor described the design as “a tower that refuses to stand still,” while Balmond emphasised its structural ingenuity — a delicate balance between art and engineering. The sculpture stands as a modern reimagining of monumental art, bridging the gap between public sculpture and architectural landmark.

Visitor Experience and Features

The Orbit functions as both an observation tower and an interactive attraction. Visitors ascend via a lift or a 455-step staircase to the viewing galleries, which provide sweeping 360-degree views of London. The upper deck includes concave mirrors designed by Kapoor, creating playful distortions of light and perspective.
In 2016, a new feature was added to enhance public engagement — “The Slide”, designed by German artist Carsten Höller. Measuring 178 metres, it is officially the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide. Riders descend through 12 twists, including a tight corkscrew section, reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. This addition transformed the sculpture into a thrilling adventure attraction while maintaining its artistic integrity.

Public Reception and Criticism

Upon its unveiling, the ArcelorMittal Orbit received mixed reviews. Critics debated its unconventional design, describing it variously as “a marvel of modern art” and “a contorted red steel dinosaur.” However, over time, public perception shifted towards appreciation of its uniqueness and symbolic value.
The structure has since become an iconic part of London’s skyline, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Its combination of sculpture, observation, and entertainment has made it a distinctive example of 21st-century public art.

Cultural and Environmental Significance

The ArcelorMittal Orbit embodies several key themes:

• Olympic Legacy: It serves as a permanent reminder of London’s successful hosting of the 2012 Games and the regeneration of East London.
• Sustainability: Its use of recycled materials showcases responsible engineering and corporate commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Integration of Art and Industry: The project represents collaboration between artistic vision and industrial expertise, illustrating how creativity can coexist with engineering pragmatism.
• Urban Renewal: Situated in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Orbit contributes to the area’s transformation into a vibrant recreational and cultural hub.

Significance in Modern Architecture

Architecturally, the ArcelorMittal Orbit signifies a new direction in public sculpture — one that merges form, function, and experience. It challenges traditional notions of monumentality by embracing asymmetry and dynamism, using industrial materials to convey fluidity and motion.
It also highlights the role of private sponsorship in public art, demonstrating how corporate patronage can support cultural infrastructure. The structure’s success has influenced similar projects worldwide, where art is used to revitalise urban spaces and celebrate collective identity.