British Airways i360 observation tower
On 4 August 2016, British Airways i360, the world’s tallest moving observation tower, opened to the public. Located on Brighton beach, developers hope the tower transforms the town's tourism prospects.
British Airways i360 was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, creators of the London Eye. The pod has been designed and built by cable car specialists POMA, who built the capsules for the London Eye. At 18 m (59ft) wide, the viewing pod is 10 times bigger than a capsule on the London Eye.
The overall height of the tower is 162 m, with an observation pod that rises from ground level to 138 m, offering 360-degree views of Brighton and Hove, the Sussex coast and the English Channel. It also holds the Guinness World Record for the most slender tower in the world, with its widest point being just 3.9 m.
Movement tests on the pod began earlier in June, progressing to a height of 30 m before reaching its full height on the 14th June.
The curved-glass pod is capable of carrying up to 200 visitors per ‘flight’, which lasts a total of 20 minutes (30 in the evening). The concept of the tower is that it will serve as a ‘vertical pier’, sited as it is at the root end of Brighton’s historic West Pier which closed in 1975 and remains in ruins following a fire in 2003.
The tower has its detractors though, with some describing it as an 'eyesore' which 'ruins the sea views' of Brighton.
The attraction’s visitor centre will incorporate a 400-seat restaurant The Belle Vue Brighton, a gift shop, a children’s play zone, an exhibition space, and conference and event facilities.
For more information, please see British Airways i360.
Content and images: British Airways i360 ‘The British Airways i360 pod reaches its maximum height of 138m for the first time.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Comments
What an eye sore!