Brighton's i360 tower: Futuristic 'vertical pier' or modernist beanpole?
Monument's sparse, unavoidable presence in the city has prompted criticism as well as praise
Brighton's British Airways i360 tower, which opens this week, stands at more than 500ft and has divided locals and critics with its uncompromising design.
Located on the seafront by the remains of the old West Pier, the i360 is a giant glass-and-steel doughnut that moves up and down a thin 531ft pole. On a clear day, the view from the pod stretches 40 miles to the Isle of Wight.
But the tower's sparse, unavoidable presence has prompted criticism as well as praise. From the outset there were plenty of objectors to the project, says Richard Morrison in The Times: "After all, this modernist beanpole was to be plonked right in front of the aptly named Regency Square."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Those objections have not gone away. The saveHove campaign's Valerie Paynter told the Daily Express the tower was a "total monster, like something springing horribly out of the earth in a horror movie".
Others have dismissed the monument as a doughnut on a stick or "a middle finger gesturing towards the West Pier's rusted carcass", writes former Brighton resident Kashmira Gander in The Independent. An old school friend, who has also left the city, reportedly told her: "When I think of Brighton, I see colour and vibrancy, not a grey pole."
"There is a consciously hi-tech feel to the whole affair which doesn't sit so comfortably with the seaside setting," says Oliver Wainwright, The Guardian's architecture critic. That opposition is most jarring at ground level, he adds, "where the big metal shaft emerges from a rather clumsy glass and steel box on the beach".
But the pod's shiny, reflective base makes it fun to watch as it glides up and down, says Teresa Machan of the Daily Telegraph. "Compensation, perhaps, for its total domination of the seascape. A gloomy grey, the industrial aluminium-clad pole is not an easy thing to love."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Making a police state out of the liberal university'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
8 looming climate tipping points that imperil our planet
The Explainer New reports detail the thresholds we may be close to crossing
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Try 6 free issues of The Week Junior
Spark your child's curiosity with The Week Junior - the award-winning current affairs magazine for 8-14s.
By The Week Published
-
Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure
The Week Recommends An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published