The Singapore Flyer and Design of Giant Observation Wheels

Completed in 2008, the Singapore Flyer is now the largest Giant Observation Wheel (GOW) of its type in the world. Arup built upon design knowledge gained during the design of the London Eye to develop a ‘next generation' rim structure. The resulting two dimensional ‘ladder truss' rim structure of the Singapore Flyer is both larger and lighter than its predecessor. This paper describes some of the engineering principles behind the design of GOW's and in particular the design of the Singapore Flyer.