Bird Eye View

It seems like every major city has a high point where residents and tourists alike can look out over the city. In Paris it’s the Eiffel Tower, in New York it’s the Empire State Building, and in London it’s the Eye.

I’m not sure why, but tall buildings seem to be a universal part of all cultures. Furthermore, industry in the 20th century has allowed for many of these vantage points to be built.
The London Eye, first called the Millennium Wheel, was opened in March 2000. It was built to commemorate the new millennium and the wheel design was made to be a metaphor for the end of the century. When it was first opened , the Eye was only supposed to only stand for a few years, but it turned out to be a huge tourist attraction. In 2002 and 2003 alone it welcomed 11 million overseas visitors and 16 million UK visitors. Also, it has gained recognition for being the largest, most famous observation wheel in the world. It stands 443 feet into the sky and offers a roundabout view of the city.

The wheel has had a huge impact on 20th century London. In many ways, it embodies Britain’s number one post-war industry: Tourism. After WWII London was no longer the top leader in world affairs. Instead tourism became the major focus. Not only that, but it has also transformed the South Bank and allowed that area of London to grow physically and in wealth.