BENDS FOR THE ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT SCULPTURE
The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture, also known as the Orbit Tower or simply Orbit, rises to 114.5 meters. Featuring a spiral twist of double curved metal profiles, it represents a radical advancement in architecture. Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond designed the sculpture to combine metal public art with structural engineering, achieving both beauty and stability. Visitors enjoy a unique experience by walking along its incorporated spiral walkway. Standing as Britain’s tallest and most significant metal public art sculpture, the Mittal Orbit uses bold curved aluminum extrusions and secondary curved profiles. Among the world’s largest tunneled towers, it commands attention for its scale and design.
This sculpture has sparked curiosity and wonder among Londoners and global visitors alike. Marking a breakthrough in architectural and metal public art fields, the Orbit has brought new beauty to aluminum artistry. Rising majestically to 376 feet, its structure includes numerous twisted curved profiles. Its unique design makes it a landmark in Britain’s public art scene. Through three-dimensional metal forming, the ArcelorMittal Orbit has become an iconic structure with potential to rival the Eiffel Tower in coming years.
EXPERTS INVOLVED IN THE METAL ORBIT SCULPTURE PROJECT
Construction of the Mittal Orbit came to life through the verse efforts of highly skilled and knowledgeable engineers and technicians. This expertise effectively inculcated their years of experience with curved aluminum extrusionsinto the development of this majestic metal public art sculptures. The project started as a simple initiative when it was felt that the Olympic Park needed something extra that could arouse the amazement of Londoners and visitors at the Olympics in 2012. The Metal Orbit was designed by the Turner-Prize winning artist Sir Anish Kapoor and one of the world’s leading designers Cecil Balmond. The name “ArcelorMittal Orbit” combines the name of Mittal’s company, who was the chief sponsor of the project, with Orbit, the original working title for Kapoor and Balmond’s design.
CRAIG BURNSHAW’S EXPERTISE IN CREATING THE COMPLEX ORBIT STAIRCASE
Craig Barnshaw and his company helped produce a complex staircase to enhance visitors’ understanding of the metal sculpture while descending the Orbit. As a metal bending expert, Craig Barnshaw actively supported the stability of the three-dimensional metal forming Orbit. He developed innovative forming techniques for bending and spiraling the curved profiles. The staircase required numerous sections of varying lengths and curves to achieve a smooth twist that fit the sculpture’s unique design. His team spent many weeks testing the formed parts to ensure accuracy and consistency in the fabricated frame. Before delivering the massive three-dimensional metal components, Craig Barnshaw and his team conducted meticulous in-house research.
Furthermore, Craig Barnshaw and his engineers worked tirelessly to develop the calculation programs and forming processes for this huge public art sculpture. They also trained machine operators on arching techniques involved in shaping the three-dimensional metal formed Orbit. The sculpture consists of several sections, each requiring a precise twist during bending to maintain the correct angle. Constructed from 2,000 tons of Mittal’s steel, 60% of this steel came from recycled sources, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability. The curved parts incorporate moderately designed double curved aluminum profiles. Finally, the sculpture offers spectacular views of the Olympic Park and allows visitors to admire London’s iconic landmark. No wonder it is often called the landmark Orbit Tower.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT
The ArcelorMittal Orbit features a structural twist that offers stunning panoramas across East London and the city skyline. The largest spiraled sections measure 12″× 4″ and serve as the main ribs of the stairs. Technological innovations set the Orbit apart from its rival, the much taller and rigidly symmetrical Eiffel Tower. Its fine double curved profiles give the structure the appearance of a helter-skelter staircase wrapped in an anarchic, near-random spiral of red geodesic mesh. This double curved metal profile creates a mysterious, almost incomprehensible giant tower.
Located at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, E20, the Orbit required about fifteen hundred tonnes of steel, 35,000 bolts, and 19,000 litres of paint for its construction. The red geodesic mesh uses RAL 3003 paint. The spiral staircase extends 1,150 feet with 455 steps. It includes two passenger lifts, each with a 21-person capacity, and can accommodate up to 750 visitors per hour. Fully wheelchair accessible, the Orbit stands 22 metres taller than the Statue of Liberty. If its loops were flattened, the vertical tower would surpass the Eiffel Tower’s height.
To ensure stability, the Orbit uses a tuned mass damper with a 40-tonne pendulum measuring 2.8 metres long. It also features two indoor viewing platforms of 300 square metres each, providing spectacular views of London’s skyline and surroundings. Additionally, two concave mirrors create a rippling, distorting effect that alters visitors’ perception of space. Overall, the Orbit offers a fresh, challenging twist on the concept of towers as viewing points and tourist attractions, allowing unique views of the Olympic Park.
