The world’s largest spokeless Ferris wheel, which will dwarf the London Eye, will be built in South Korea.
Soul Twin Eye is comprised of two intersecting rings and rotating pods that provide stunning 360-degree views of its surroundings, and can carry more than 1,400 people at the same time.
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Located atop a 131-foot-tall cultural complex in Seoul’s Peace Park on the banks of the Han River, this unusual structure reaches a maximum height of an astonishing 656 feet.
It also has a diameter of 590 feet and can accommodate 64 pods, accommodating up to 25 visitors at a time.
Unlike traditional Ferris wheels, where the entire wheel rotates, Soul’s version moves as part of a track-based system where the pods are pulled in and out of the ring.
The ground-breaking plans were unveiled by Dutch architecture firm UNStudio in collaboration with UK-based Arup and South Korea’s Heerim Architects.
In the plans published on UNStudio’s website, the company said: “The UNStudio team focused on the concept of unity as a design symbol.
“This wheel is inspired by the Hongcheon Shigae, an astronomical clock that depicts the movement of celestial bodies over time.
The double ring structure of “Soul Twin Eye” combines stability and unique beauty.
“UNStudio worked with Arup for the recently published vision proposal, which considered the seismic and wind resistance of the proposed structure.”
Ben van Berkel, founder and chief architect of UNStudio, said the essence of the spokeless design “represents Korea’s boundless ambition for innovation and spirit of progress.”
He added that Soul Twin Eye combines “cutting-edge technology with a timeless appreciation for stability and beauty.”
The project also includes interesting plans to build a monorail and zip line connecting the local subway station to the Ferris wheel.
Soul Twin Eye appears to be an evolution of the Soul Ring project announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government last year.
Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2028.
Elsewhere, an architect has unveiled ambitious plans to develop a “space elevator” that could transport humans into space.
The object, named Asensio, consists of a long cable that connects an asteroid trapped in geostationary orbit to a floating platform on Earth.
And the planes of the future promise to revolutionize short-haul flights by making travel cheaper and cleaner.
The fully electric aircraft, called the Octoplane, has eight battery-powered propellers and can take you all the way to Switzerland without using a drop of fuel.
the strangest vehicle in the world
In the backdrop of UNStudio’s ground-breaking plans to build the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, we take a look at some of the quirkiest rides from around the world.
Aizhai Suspension Bridge
Stretching 1,102 feet above the ground, the world’s longest canyon suspension bridge offers stunning views from Chongqing to Changsha in southwestern China.
But for around £150 people can be tied to a rope, throw themselves off the rope and into the valley below.
Iron Gwazi
The Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida is the world’s “steepest and fastest” hybrid roller coaster.
The 206-foot-tall ride has a 91-degree incline and reaches speeds of a terrifying 116 miles per hour, sending riders flying out of their seats in the air.
Funde Pulteruchembane
The Hundepruttertchenbane ride at Bonbon Land in Denmark is inspired by a farting dog.
Often known as the “farting dog switchback,” this mutt’s flatulence is said to “add extra speed to the ride.”
Zadora
Known as the world’s largest wooden roller coaster, Zadora features 4,317 feet of wood and steel track.
Located in Poland’s Energylandia, the facility features a formidable 200-foot drop at the start of the ride, taking passengers to a height of 209 feet and reaching speeds of up to 113 miles per hour.
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