Shanghai surprise: London Eye architect Marks Barfield is working on plans for a wheel in Shanghai that will be 25 m bigger than its UK predecessor – and therefore the biggest in the world. It will be 160 m in diameter (see picture). Director David Marks and John Roberts, director at engineer Babtie, which helped to construct the landmark London wheel, visited Shanghai last month to find a suitable site in the city centre. Marks said the scheme, for an unnamed Chinese client, will be similar in design to the London Eye but with enhanced technical specification – the ride will also run at about the same speed, making for a 35-minute trip. The plans will also include a reception building.