THE world’s biggest spokeless Ferris wheel ride that dwarfs the London Eye will be built in South Korea.
Consisting of two intersecting rings and revolving pods that offer superb 360 degree views of the surrounding area, the Seoul Twin Eye will be able to carry more than 1,400 people simultaneously.
Situated on top of a 131ft-high cultural complex in Seoul’s Peace Park, on the edge of the Han River, the unusual structure’s maximum height will reach a staggering 656ft.
It will also boast a 590ft diameter, accommodating 64 pods that can hold up to 25 visitors at once.
Unlike the a traditional Ferris wheel in which the entire wheel spins, Seoul’s version will see pods move as part of a track-based system that pulls them around inside and outside the rings.
The groundbreaking plans were revealed by Dutch architecture firm UNStudio, who have collaborated with UK-based Arup and South Korea’s Heerim Architects.
In plans released on UNStudio’s website, the firm said: “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 objects through time.
“The double ring structure of the ‘Seoul Twin Eye’ provides both stability and a unique aesthetic.
“UNStudio teamed up with Arup, who reviewed the proposed structure’s earthquake and wind resistance, for the recently unveiled vision proposal.”
Ben van Berkel, founder and principal architect of UNStudio, expressed the essence of the spokeless design “references Korea’s boundless ambition for innovation and spirit of progress”.
He added The Seoul Twin Eye blends “cutting-edge technology with a timeless appreciation for stability and beauty.”
The project also involves exciting plans to build a monorail connecting a local subway station to the Ferris wheel, as well as a zip line.
The Seoul Twin Eye appears to be an evolution of the Seoul Ring project announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government last year.
Construction is due to begin in 2025, with completion expected in 2028.
Elsewhere, an architect has revealed his ambitious plan to develop a “space elevator” capable of transporting humans to space.
The object, dubbed Ascensio, would comprise a long cable tethering an asteroid trapped in geosynchronous orbit to a floating platform back on Earth.
And a futuristic airplane promises to revolutionise short-haul flying with cheaper and cleaner trips.
Dubbed the Octoplane, the all-electric aircraft has eight battery-powered props and could take you all the way to Switzerland without a drop of fuel.
On the back of UNStudio’s groundbreaking plans to build the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, here are some other quirky rides from around the world.
Aizhai suspension bridge
The longest valley suspension bridge in the world – stretching 1,102ft above the ground – offers stunning views between Chongqing to Changsha in southwest China.
But for around £150, people can attach themselves to a rope and throw themselves off it – plunging themselves 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 rollercoaster.
Standing at 206ft, the ride has a 91-degree drop and reaches terrifying speeds of 76mph, while riders drift out of their seat mid-air.
Hundeprutterutchenbane
Located at Bonbon Land in Denmark, the Hundeprutterutchenbane ride is based off a farting dog.
Better known as the “farting dog switchback”, the mutt’s flatulence is said to “add extra speed to the ride”.
Zadra
Known as the largest wooden rollercoaster in the world, Zadra features a 4,317ft wood and steel track.
Found at Energylandia in Poland, a scary 200ft drop is situated at the beginning of the ride, with passengers reaching heights of 209ft and top speeds of up to 73mph.
