Revisiting the technology behind the view at the Brighton i360 almost a decade after its completion and the lessons learned for future landmark projects.

Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the structure was the first of its kind and it came with a host of “unknowns”, which required close collaboration across all disciplines to raise the structure successfully.  

Almost a decade on, we look at the unique challenge of creating the IT infrastructure to support such a visionary architectural build, and the valuable lessons learned for future landmark projects.  

Key Actions

As the technological partner for the development of the i360, Curve IT was tasked with designing, delivering and supporting the extensive IT infrastructure required. Our approach was always collaborative, ensuring the technology enabled the landmark to function seamlessly – without comprising or competing with the architectural ambition.   

Planning and Design  

Our team immersed itself in the build process from the outset. We worked closely with Marks Barfield Architects and the wider project teams to provide insight and align IT requirements with the architectural design. This included:   

• Reviewing architectural drawings and M&E proposals to identify IT requirements and any potential delivery risks.  
• Developing a full IT infrastructure with ‘security by design’ principles by including hardware and software that protects client and public data.   
• Conducting a virtual WiFi survey using CAD data to model coverage, avoid dead zones and reduce unnecessary costs.   
• Designing the main communications room, including equipment specification, cabling and power requirements.   

Delivery and Collaboration  

Working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors and suppliers), we ensured that the IT systems were fully integrated into the wider build. This included:   

• Supplying and installing networking equipment, server hardware, VoIP systems, payment gateways and CCTV connectivity.   
• Installing and configuring WiFi across all operational areas, from the restaurant, retail and event spaces, back office areas, and the glass pod itself.   
• Devising, testing and delivering the methodology for providing connectivity inside the pod, guaranteeing high speed connectivity even when elevated to full height, flying 450ft in the sky.   

From Vision to Reality: Lessons Learned  

The i360 was designed to be a fully connected visitor experience and it lives up to that vision today. It showcases that innovative builds will always demand technology that is as visionary as the architectural design itself, and this does not come without valuable lessons learned:  

Lesson 1 – Integrate Technology Early   

Curve IT was bought into the i360 project half-way through the two-year construction period. Although this was relatively far into the RIBA Plan of Work stages, our team was able to identify the IT infrastructure required and advise on changes during the construction phase to avoid costly retrofits. Early involvement is always more effective. 

Lesson 2 – Model Before You Build  

Our pre-build WiFi survey using CAD data enabled us to create a virtual model of the planned network. Adopting a ‘predictive modelling approach’ allowed the Curve IT team to optimise the placement of WiFi access points within the architectural design, maximising coverage, eliminating dead zones and minimising hardware costs.   

Lesson 3 – Collaborate for Success   

There is balance between the ambitious vision and the realistic function. Without this balance, developments as unique as the i360 will struggle with success. This is why the Curve IT team collaborated meticulously with architects, engineers, contractors, and system suppliers for the i360 to ensure that the IT infrastructure and systems fit within the architectural design and delivered the functionality required without compromise.   

Lesson 4 –  Design for Digital Resilience and Reliability  

Delivering reliable connectivity across the site and into the glass pod at full elevation presented one of the biggest challenges to the project. Redundancy, link aggregation, coastal weather conditions and radio alignment had to be considered during the design, build and on-going function of the IT infrastructure system for the i360.   

Building redundancy into the IT infrastructure ensures that a single point of failure does not bring the whole system to a standstill. As a result, Curve IT included multiple connection points into the system to ensure that any IT failures do not interrupt visitor or operational services.   

Link aggregation also boosts capacity and continuity. Separate office and event WiFi links were originally installed at the i360 but these, along with point-to-point connections in the pod, were later aggregated to ensure resiliency of the IT systems – without compromising performance.   

Unforgiving weather conditions including coastal winds, salt spray, and rain can challenge even the most robust IT hardware installations. During the i360 build, careful cabling and weather-sealing were essential to ensuring long-term reliability in the harsh sea-side environment, as well as keeping maintenance costs and any downtime to a minimum.   

In moving structures, such as the i360, alignment of point-to-point WiFi radios is critical. The radio links in/on the glass pod rely on tight physical alignment to maintain connection as it ascends and descends, meaning that meticulous planning and installation was required to avoid any drops in connectivity.   

Resilient solutions are therefore critical for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and supporting commercial and operational functions of large-scale attractions. For the i360 specifically, this included the ability to broadcast live on major radio and television channels, as well as stream music events globally from the pod – all at full elevation.  

The Future of Connected Landmarks 

The Brighton i360 proved that IT infrastructure must be treated as a core part of modern architecture, engineering and construction when creating structures that provide world-class visitor experiences.  

Curve IT turned complex challenges into reliable solutions and systems that continue to perform today – almost 10 years beyond the i360’s official launch, reflecting the resilience and longevity of the infrastructure. Our systems are built for purpose and built to last. 

MBA continues to evolve the concept of the i360 with the i360 Plus, a vision for new towers that unite architecture, engineering and technology.  

Conclusion

The lessons learned from the Brighton i360 are invaluable and can be the difference between a building that simply looks iconic and one that also functions flawlessly.  

Wherever in the world new towers and visitor attractions are built, Curve IT is ready to design and implement resilient, secure, and high-performing systems that help visionary architecture become a fully connected reality.  

Want to Know More?

Curve IT consults with developers, architects and contractors to deliver connected buildings that are ready for the future. Get in touch to discuss your next construction or development project.