Clapham architect Marks Barfield celebrate 25 years of the London Eye

Julia Barfield, a renowned British architect, is best known as the co-creator of the London Eye, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. Based in Clapham, Julia co-founded Marks Barfield Architects with her late husband, David Marks. The London Eye, originally a millennium project, has since become an iconic feature of the city’s skyline. Originally built to mark the millennium, the giant Ferris wheel has offered breath taking views of London’s skyline. A symbol of innovation, it continues to attract millions of visitors annually and light up London on many historical moments.

Beyond this landmark achievement, Barfield has continued to shape British architecture with socially conscious designs. Their work includes the British Airways i360 in Brighton and various community-focused projects, reflecting a commitment to thoughtful urban development. Marks Barfield were recently nominated for their work on the Cambridge Central Mosque, an environmentally sustainable place of worship that integrates traditional Islamic architecture with cutting-edge green technology. The mosque, completed in 2019, was praised for its innovative timber design and commitment to sustainability.

Julia’s contributions to architecture over the past 25 years highlight her dedication to both aesthetics and social responsibility, cementing her legacy as a visionary in contemporary British design. Marks Barfield has won more than 60 awards for design, innovation and sustainability and their portfolio includes arts and culture, sports and leisure, education, housing, bridges and transport.

Alongside their transformation of the South Bank, Marks Barfield have also contributed to architecture of Clapham. In 2015 they oversaw the transformation of Clapham Old Town, creating a new, high-quality, tranquil, urban piazza by reducing the dominance of traffic by removing the existing gyratory system, redesigning the bus stop and stand layout and reversing the percentage of road to pavement area from 65/35% to 35/65%.

Clapham Old Town Piazza, showing planted beds, seating and the relocated bus stand

Their most recent project at 18-19 The Pavement is still being constructed. The site was derelict for many years and Marks Barfield have sought to create a distinctive high quality contemporary infill that completes the terrace while respecting its heritage context and the Clapham Old Town Conservation Area.

18-19 The Pavement as viewed from the Common

Posted in Blog, Business news

Posted on 13th March 202514th March 2025 by me

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