Brighton Beach Tower, also known as the British Airways i360, is a 162 m (531 ft) moving observation tower located on the seafront of Brighton, East Sussex, England. Designed by the renowned Marks Barfield Architects, the same company behind the iconic London Eye, the tower offers visitors a unique and breathtaking experience.
The Vertical Pier Concept
The tower’s design is inspired by the vertical pier concept, with the structure situated at the landward end of the remains of the West Pier. The entrance is flanked by recreated Italianate ticket booths, serving as a ticket office and tea room, adding to the tower’s charming and historic ambiance.
The Ascending and Descending Viewing Platform
The tower’s structure is a 162 m (531 ft) tall needle with an ascending and descending circular viewing platform. This platform, designed and built by cable car specialists Poma, can accommodate up to 200 people and provides a 360-degree view through curved glass. The pod travels from street level to a height of 138 m (453 feet) before returning to beach level, offering visitors a unique and unparalleled perspective of Brighton, the South Downs, and the English Channel.
Accessibility and Amenities
The glass passenger pod is heated and air-conditioned, with full wheelchair accessibility and bench seating. It also contains a bar and restaurant in the base building, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and dining while taking in the stunning views.
Sustainable Design
The tower’s initial design included a wind turbine at the top and rainwater harvesting facilities to help mitigate its environmental impact. Although these proposals were later dropped, the tower was designed to produce its own energy to power the pod, in line with its commitment to sustainability.
Construction and Timeline
The tower’s construction began in May 2014, with the attraction being scheduled to open in 2016. The off-site construction of the tower’s sections began in 2008 in the Netherlands, and work on reconstructing the arches beneath and to the east of the pier to allow the tower construction started in November 2012. The tower is 12.7 feet (3.9 m) in diameter, with a height-to-width ratio of 41.15 to one, making it the world’s thinnest tower.
Visitor Experiences
Brighton i360 is open every day, with opening hours varying depending on the season. Tickets can be booked online or at the tower’s ticket office, and the tower offers various ticket options, including standard admission, family tickets, and group tickets. In addition to the tower, visitors can also explore the free exhibition that showcases how the i360 was built, visit the gift shop, enjoy a coffee on the i360 Café’s sheltered sun terrace, or stop by the i360 Beach Club for a drink or two with friends.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The Brighton i360 tower is accessible to disabled visitors, with all areas being accessible, including disabled persons toilets and wheelchair user accessible ramps/level access. This ensures that the tower is inclusive and welcoming to all visitors, regardless of their mobility or accessibility needs.
Conclusion
The Brighton Beach Tower, or the British Airways i360, is a remarkable and unique attraction that offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience. With its innovative design, stunning views, and commitment to sustainability, the tower has become a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beautiful seaside town of Brighton.
References:
– Civitatis – Brighton Observation Tower Ticket
– Brighton i360 Official Website
– Wikipedia – Brighton i360
– Visit Brighton – Brighton i360
– TripAdvisor – Brighton i360 Reviews