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
Standard will help employers foster wellbeing and manage psychosocial risks.
The United Nations has approved the IFSS common principles
Global fire standards for safety of people and property.
An introduction to the 5 core principles of lean.
Civil engineers and environmental methods of construction
Can the profession use its skills to save the world from climate change?
How faulty science resulted in sanitation reform.
Conserving the Hilda Besse Building
Improving facilities, accessibility and overall appearance.
BSRIA IAQ topic guide published
Free download of TG 12/2021 available.
Electrotechincal mentors wanted
TESP works with The Youth Group to form skill sharing network.
OpenBuilt supply chain technology in development
Big tech collaborates on platform for the built environment.
Concerns raised over Future Buildings Standard
Letter signed by 21 organisations sent to MHCLG.
The infrastructure planning process
A look at the Government's strategic approach.
Steps to help reduce the spread of infection inside buildings.
Urban exploration and construction
This social media-centred hobby can be both dangerous and illegal.
Millwork wall treatment with a long and illustrious history.
Receive the Designing Buildings newsletter
Click the button to subscribe.
Comments
What an eye sore!