Marks Barfield facts for kids
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Industry | Architectural firm |
Founded | 1989 |
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England
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Marks Barfield Architects is a creative company based in London, England. It was started in 1989 by a husband and wife team, David Marks and Julia Barfield. They are an architectural firm, which means they design buildings and other cool structures that people use every day.
Marks Barfield Architects is famous for designing some truly amazing and well-known places around the world. Their most famous projects include the giant London Eye Ferris wheel, the fun treetop walkway at Kew Gardens, and the tall i360 observation tower in Brighton. They also designed the beautiful Cambridge Mosque.
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Iconic Creations by Marks Barfield
Marks Barfield Architects has designed many different types of buildings and structures. They are known for creating unique and exciting places that often become landmarks. Here are some of their most famous projects:
The London Eye
One of their most famous designs is the London Eye, which opened in 2000. It's a huge Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. When it was built, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world!
The London Eye has 32 capsules, which are like big glass pods. Each capsule can hold up to 25 people. As you ride, you get incredible views of London's skyline, including famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. It's a super popular attraction, with millions of visitors each year.
Walking Among the Treetops
In 2008, Marks Barfield Architects designed the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens in London. This amazing walkway lets you explore the forest from high above the ground. It's like walking through the canopy of trees!
The walkway is 200 meters (about 656 feet) long and rises 18 meters (about 59 feet) above the ground. It gives visitors a unique chance to see trees and plants from a different perspective. You can learn about the different layers of a forest and spot birds and other wildlife.
The i360 Observation Tower
The i360 is another incredible observation tower designed by Marks Barfield Architects. It's located in Brighton, England, and opened in 2016. This tower is 162 meters (about 531 feet) tall.
The i360 has a large glass viewing pod that slowly moves up and down the tower. From the top, you get amazing 360-degree views of Brighton, the English Channel, and the coastline. It's a fantastic way to see the city and the sea from a bird's-eye view.
A Special Mosque in Cambridge
Marks Barfield Architects also designed the Cambridge Mosque, which opened in 2018. This mosque is special because it's known for being very eco-friendly. It was designed to be sustainable and use energy efficiently.
The mosque has a beautiful wooden structure and a peaceful garden. It's a place for prayer and community, and its design blends modern architecture with traditional Islamic art.
Other Notable Projects
Marks Barfield Architects has worked on many other interesting projects, including:
- Liverpool Watersports Centre (1994)
- Waterloo Millenium Pier (1999)
- Stoke Newington Watersports Centre (2002)
- Millbank Millennium Pier (2004)
- Spiral Café, Birmingham (2004)
- The Lightbox, Woking (2007)
- Michael Tippett School (2008)
- Wembley White Horse Bridge & Public Realm (2008)
- Think Tank, Lincoln (2008)
- Greenwich Gateway Pavilions (2015)
- University of Cambridge Primary School (2015)
Marks Barfield Architects continues to design innovative and exciting spaces that shape our cities and communities.