The Orbit | 115m | Visitor attraction | Completed

[MatthewGen]

Originally Posted by EverythingButABeach

" If its loops were straightened out, it would be taller than the Eiffel Tower "

Heard that too, probably the most pointless piece of information ever haha

[jerseyboi]

[bertyboy]

Originally Posted by MatthewGen

Heard that too, probably the most pointless piece of information ever haha

I heard that if a giant, French Incredible Hulk were to twist the structure of the Eiffel Tower around several times, it would be almost as tall as the Arcellor-Mital Orbit.

[pagey17]

[foundation]

As at 12May12

[streetlegal]

I have resisted commenting, but I must admit I have tried to like it and find it lacking in aesthetic appeal (euphemism) and clashing with the stadium; it looks like it is about to topple over. I feel sad that it isn't a) more imposing/bigger b) more elegant . . .

BUT

Having read a number of articles in the States comparing it to the Eiffel Tower, I went on google images to remind myself of what the Eiffel Tower looked like, then kind of flicked between that and the Orbit. And you know what? The Eiffel Tower looked kind of dull in comparison. See, the Orbit looks kind of fun and cheeky, and La Tour Eiffel really is rather staid.

Okay, I have had a few glasses of wine too many, maybe I am going mad, but just try it . . . flick between the two. Maybe I am not bonkers!!

[jdjones]

Originally Posted by streetlegal

I have resisted commenting, but I must admit I have tried to like it and find it lacking in aesthetic appeal (euphemism) and clashing with the stadium; it looks like it is about to topple over. I feel sad that it isn't a) more imposing/bigger b) more elegant . . .

That's the point, it's supposed to look like it could fall over.

[oxo]

Originally Posted by streetlegal

I have resisted commenting, but I must admit I have tried to like it and find it lacking in aesthetic appeal (euphemism) and clashing with the stadium; it looks like it is about to topple over. I feel sad that it isn't a) more imposing/bigger b) more elegant . . .

BUT

Having read a number of articles in the States comparing it to the Eiffel Tower, I went on google images to remind myself of what the Eiffel Tower looked like, then kind of flicked between that and the Orbit. And you know what? The Eiffel Tower looked kind of dull in comparison. See, the Orbit looks kind of fun and cheeky, and La Tour Eiffel really is rather staid.

Okay, I have had a few glasses of wine too many, maybe I am going mad, but just try it . . . flick between the two. Maybe I am not bonkers!!

Maybe not bonkers but mind-numbingly bored.

Whatever are you going to be doing next - counting cornflakes to find which sealed packet has the most flakes?

[jdjones]

Originally Posted by oxo

Maybe not bonkers but mind-numbingly bored.

Whatever are you going to be doing next - counting cornflakes to find which sealed packet has the most flakes?

Was that really called for?

[oxo]

Originally Posted by sgroutage

It was always pointless in my opinion, Crystal Palace is a 20,000 seat athletics stadium so i cant understand why they ever thought reducing it to 25,000 seats and making it athletics only would be a good idea.

Not to mention that it has cost 500million and after removing the top tier and reducing to 25,000 seats it would be left without a roof!

It just dosnt make sense, and the argument that the IOC preferred this option is complete nonsense. Where is the precedent for this?

The legacy is shambolic and ironically exactly what they set out to avoid!

Your words make a lot of sense sgroutage although they fall mainly on deaf ears on this thread being frequented largely by Bimbys and desperately bored people with nothing of any consequence to say (note above ramblings on about Eiffel Tower for example).

[RobH]

Your point of view about this thread and its contributors is noted. Though it is rather sad you keep returning to it if that is your view. One can only wonder how desperately bored you must be.

If you don't like this thread or the people who post in it, don't click on it, don't comment, go somewhere else.

[Michael Taylor]

Great design, seen it in real life

[awesome2000]

Matt from the Telegraph

[b4mmy]

until someone can find an angle on this that makes it look nice I'll stick to my original thoughts that if I were Mittal I would be pretty disappointed with how my money was spent... in fact I think it's rubbish.

BTW: insult the Orbit, love thy neighbour.... no need to punch someone in the chops for an alternative perspective is there boys.

[Lezuck]

In a spanish newspaper



http://www.elcorreo.com/vizcaya/2012...205141250.html

[mogwai83]

Inhabitat has a nice writeup with the first decent night shot I've ever seen of it... had to titter a bit at their slight hyperbole though...

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is an observation tower located in the heart of London’s Olympic Park and stands at almost 4,500 feet tall.
linky...

they might want to recheck that...

[View Hunter]

It really does look superb at night with this lighting.
I've had such mixed feelings about this tower / sculpture and I've seen it up close when I was at the stadium opening last week and been to visit the site several times during construction. In the end after some very grave doubts I think I kind of love it! It's a perplexing piece of work and it does without doubt have it's faults but I keep on returning to look at it and I find it fascinating. Is it art? Without seeing it inside for me it's a viewing tower but I will with hold final judgement until I've been inside for the whole art / tower decision.
It is not the prettiest thing in the world but every time I show it someone both in photo and in the flesh I've had nothing but positive feedback which seems to really run against the media viewpoint. I think it sits very well against the stadium and the entire look / feel of the park and I think once all of the lighting is on, the stadium is full and we are getting those helicopter flyby shots it's really going to look fantastic. My only problem is when ever I catch the orbit from a far out of the corner of my eye I can't seem to get this image out of my head....

[oxo]

Originally Posted by RobH

Your point of view about this thread and its contributors is noted. Though it is rather sad you keep returning to it if that is your view. One can only wonder how desperately bored you must be.

If you don't like this thread or the people who post in it, don't click on it, don't comment, go somewhere else.

But I think there are a few contributors who post intelligent and interesting material on this thread such as Sgroutage, EvanB and Ours - making very good points without coming up with boredom-induced drivel.

[Goat Rope]

Originally Posted by oxo

Your words make a lot of sense sgroutage although they fall mainly on deaf ears on this thread being frequented largely by Bimbys and desperately bored people with nothing of any consequence to say (note above ramblings on about Eiffel Tower for example).

.... and, it would seem, pompous pseudo-intellectuals such as yourself, who believe they have a right to make sweepingly insulting comments regarding other forum members (note ramblings about 'bimbys and desperately bored people', for example). Streetlegal had every right to voice his / her opinion of the Orbit.

And having largely reserved judgment, I myself think it looks pretty clumsy. I don't believe the viewing platform sits at all comfortably and the winding stairs only add to this awkwardness.

[JonH]

Originally Posted by RobH

If you don't like this thread or the people who post in it, don't click on it, don't comment, go somewhere else.

Freedom of speech and opinion - but only if it matches mine. Perhaps if you don't like people having opinions you should be the one steering clear....