ArcelorMittal Orbit for Olympic Games 2012

December 2011 – Inspired by the Tower of Babel, the British artist Anish Kapoor designed an enormous work of art as the symbol for the London Olympic Games in 2012. The symbol is called ArcelorMittal Orbit. Métal Déployé supplied 3,000 m2 of expanded metal.

Together with engineer Cecil Balmond, he produced a twisted, red steel tower rising to a height of 115 metres, which was christened the ArcelorMittal Orbit. The structure is London's answer to the Eiffel Tower and it will be a spectacular attraction for tourists.

Playful effect

The expanded metal (stainless steel from ArcelorMittal) forms a polished spiral that runs up around the staircases of the tower. The expanded metal stabilises the spiral staircases and is also an enormous fall safety device. The material used is MD Progressive expanded metal, which has a playful effect because of the varying mesh size. The transparency of the expanded metal means you can enjoy a fantastic view of London on your way up the tower.