The creators of the London Eye have witnessed another of their inventive ideas jump off the paper and into reality. David Marks and Julia Barfield of the 2005-founded Marks Barfield Architects designed the British Airways i360, a new landmark for the seaside resort of Brighton in England. The observation pod reached its 138-metre maximum height for the first time on June 14 as testing continues before the attraction's anticipated summer launch. 

The British Airways i360 pod reaches its maximum height of 138m for the first time, image courtesy of British Airways i360

At an overall structural height of 162 metres, British Airways i360 is the world's tallest moving observation tower. Up to 200 passengers will be transported in the aerodynamic pod as it ascends a slender steel spire. With a diameter of just 3.9 metres at its widest point, the structure holds the Guinness World Record as the most slender tower in the world. 

The British Airways i360 pod reaches its maximum height of 138m for the first time, image courtesy of British Airways i360

The tower is sited at the root end of the historic West Pier, which recently suffered several structural collapses and fires that have left the pier beyond repair. British Airways i360, described as a 'vertical pier,' features two of the original West Pier tollbooths rebuilt to their Victorian architectural styles. The buildings will house the West Pier Tea Room and ticket office at the front entrance to the attraction. In addition, the visitor centre includes the 400-seat Belle Vue Brighton restaurant, a gift shop, children's play area, an exhibition space, and conference facilities. 

The British Airways i360 pod reaches its maximum height of 138m for the first time, image courtesy of British Airways i360

The occupants will be afforded panoramic views of Brighton and Hove, the Sussex Coast, the English Channel, and South Downs National Park. British Airways i360 is expected to attract approximately 800,000 annual visitors in what the architects describe as an "entertaining, informing, exciting, and inspiring experience." By replicating the success of the London Eye, the development hopes to boost city-wide tourist revenues and give Brighton a renewed cultural image. 

The British Airways i360 pod reaches its maximum height of 138m for the first time, image courtesy of British Airways i360

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