UK’s vertical pier – also the world’s tallest moving observation Tower – offers spectacular views of UK’s famous coastline. British Airways i360 is a 162-metre-tall vertical tower with an enclosed futuristic glass observation pod and is acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the world’s most slender tower, with a height-to-width ratio of more than 40:1.

But the locals are divided over this shiny new attraction that was 11 years in the making – residents took to social media to say that it is an “eyesore that ruins the sea view”.

Located at the landward end of the West Pier on Brighton beach, British Airways i360 is conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects who also created the London Eye. Groups of 200 go up to a height of 138 metres in this vertical pier to ‘walk on air’ and enjoy 360-degree views of up to 26-miles over Brighton and Hove, the South Downs, the South Coast and the English Channel.

Sustainability:

Here are some of the green design aspects of the tower:

As the pod descends, it generates energy which will be able to generate enough for 50 per cent of the energy required to power its ascent.

Electricity will be the only energy source used in operating i360, and it will come entirely from renewable energy sources.

The restaurants will serve fresh locally, sourced food that has been caught, reared and grown in Sussex.

What’s Your Verdict?

Brighton is already the most popular destination in the South East outside London and the UK’s favourite seaside destination. Sleek, modern, innovative or a monstrous blot on the Brighton landscape? You decide and let us know in a comment below.

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