The world's largest spokeless Ferris wheel that dwarfs the London Eye
The world's largest spokeless Ferris wheel, which dwarfs the London Eye, will be built in South Korea.
The Seoul Twin Eye consists of two intersecting rings and rotating pods that provide stunning 360-degree views of the surroundings and can carry more than 1,400 people at a time.
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Located at the top of a 40-meter-high cultural complex in Seoul's Peace Park, on the edge of the Han River, the maximum height of the unusual structure will reach a whopping 200 meters.
It will also have a diameter of 180 meters and accommodate 64 pods that can accommodate up to 25 visitors at a time.
Unlike the traditional Ferris wheel where the entire wheel spins, Seoul's version will see the pods move as part of a rail-based system that pulls them around inside and outside the rings.
The groundbreaking plans have been unveiled by Dutch architectural firm UNStudio, which has collaborated with Britain's Arup and South Korea's Heerim Architects.
In plans released on UNStudio websitesaid the company: “The UNStudio team focused on the concept of unity as a symbol for the design.
“The wheel is inspired by the Honcheonsigye, an astronomical clock that represents the movement of celestial bodies through time.
“The double ring structure of the 'Seoul Twin Eye' provides both stability and a unique aesthetic.
“UNStudio worked with Arup, who assessed the earthquake and wind resistance of the proposed structure, for the recently unveiled vision proposal.”
Ben van Berkel, founder and chief architect of UNStudio, expressed the essence of the spokeless design “pointing to Korea's boundless ambition for innovation and the spirit of progress.”
He added that the Seoul Twin Eye “combines cutting-edge technology with a timeless appreciation for stability and beauty.”
The project also includes exciting plans to build a monorail connecting a local metro station to the Ferris wheel, as well as a zipline.
The Seoul Twin Eye appears to be an evolution of the Seoul Ring project announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government last year.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025 and completion is expected in 2028.
Elsewhere, an architect has unveiled his ambitious plan to develop a 'space elevator' that could transport people into space.
The object, named Ascensio, would consist of a long tether that tethers an asteroid stuck in geosynchronous orbit to a floating platform on Earth.
And a futuristic plane promises to revolutionize short-haul flying, with cheaper and cleaner journeys.
Called the Octoplane, the all-electric plane has eight battery-powered propellers and can take you all the way to Switzerland without a drop of fuel.
The weirdest rides in the world
Following on from UNStudio's groundbreaking plans to build the world's tallest Ferris wheel, here are some other quirky attractions from around the world.
Aizhai Suspension Bridge
The world's longest suspension bridge, stretching 350 meters above the ground, offers breathtaking views between Chongqing and Changsha in southwestern China.
But for around $150, people can attach themselves to a rope and throw themselves off, plunging into the valley below.
Iron Gwazi
Located at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida, the Iron Gwazi is the world's “steepest and fastest” hybrid roller coaster.
The ride stands at a height of 200 feet, has a 91-degree drop and reaches terrifying speeds of 75 mph, as riders float out of their seats in the air.
Hundeprutterutchenbane
The Hundeprutterutchenbane ride, located in Denmark's Bonbon Land, is based on a farting dog.
Better known as the “farting dog switchback,” the mutt's flatulence is said to “add extra speed to the ride.”
Zadra
Zadra is known as the largest wooden roller coaster in the world and has a wood and steel track of 1,200 meters.
Found at Energylandia in Poland, the start of the ride features a terrifying 60-metre drop, with passengers reaching a height of 60 meters and top speeds of up to 120 km/h.
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