The ArcelorMittal Orbit has been developed in collaboration with one of the world’s leading structural designers, Cecil Balmond of Arup.
When finished it will consist of a complex, continuous looping lattice of tubular steel that will act as a visitor attraction with two viewing decks.
It will be 22m taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York and offer unparalleled views of the entire 250 acres of the Olympic Park and London’s skyline from a special viewing platform.
Watson Steel Structures carried out the connection design and fabrication of the 1,470 tonnes of structural steelwork to be used in the project. The group’s in-house company Steelcraft is responsible for the erection.
Watson’s Managing Director and Severfield-Rowen’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Emerson said: “We are very familiar with taking a drawing board concept and turning it into a reality.
“However, in the case of the ArcelorMittal Orbit project, the degree of precision required was higher than usual.
“Its unique design meant that it would not be possible to make adjustments to the structure once construction commenced.
“We have therefore had to machine the components to their exact specifications, to enable them to fit precisely together.”