The “ArcelorMittal Orbit“ at London’s Olympic Park

Is it a rollercoaster? This was the question many visitors of the Olympic Games resp. the Olympic Park in the London district of Stratford asked themselves this summer. The 115 meter high observation tower, developed as a result of a design competition held in 2008/09 and designed as “Olympic Tower”, rises between the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatic Centre as a permanent reminder of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The striking steel construction has been named after its benefactor and sponsor Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman of the ArcelorMittal company, who contributed some 16 million GBP (20 million Euros) to the total investment of 19.1 million GBP (24 million Euros). The ArcelorMittal Orbit, an interesting and impressive structure, an idea of London’s mayor and shadow Olympics minister – is an observation tower, no rollercoaster, unfortunately! (eap)