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
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Comments
What an eye sore!