David Marks, architect behind London Eye, passes away at age 64

2017-10-09T16:51:00-04:00

David Marks, who suffered a long battle with cancer, passed away Friday morning at the age of 64. The Jewish architect was the innovative visionary behind fanciful projects such as the London Eye, the British Airways i360 observation tower, the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens, and the University of Cambridge Primary School among others.

British Airways i360 at Brighton. Image courtesy of 2017 Structural Awards

Born in Stockholm in 1952, Marks grew up in Geneva and moved to London in 1972 to attend the Architectural Association School (AA). There he met Julia Barfield, whom he married in 1981. Following a stint working for Richard Rogers, the couple formed their own practice—Marks Barfield Architects—in 1989.

London Eye. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Marks was known for his entrepreneurial spirit. After winning a competition entry that came to nothing for his and Barfield's Ferris Wheel design, the two famously remortgaged their home and spent six patient years gathering support...

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David Marks, architect behind London Eye, passes away at age 64