The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) National Awards are given to buildings regarded as making “significant contributions to architecture”, and the jury said it had been impressed by “the extraordinary innovation and originality” of the structure as well as the “heroic collaboration” between the architects Marks Barfield and the British Airways i360 engineers.

In May, British Airways i360 was also awarded a 2017 RIBA South East Award as well as being honoured with three 2017 RICS South East Awards, including the accolade “Project of the Year”.

An extensive IT Infrastructure was integral to the project, and Curve IT consultants were commissioned to design, develop and install a robust system to tight deadlines and budget.  WiFi connectivity was also implemented right across the site – including in the glass pod at its full height of 138 metres – as well as in the offices, event spaces and restaurant.

Located next to Brighton’s historic West Pier, the British Airways i360’s futuristic pod now allows 175 visitors at a time to use social media, whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, to share their experiences during their visit.

“Curve IT understood the aims for the building including the flow of people and the work spaces that would require guaranteed connectivity,” said Marks Barfield Architect’s Director, Ian Crockford. “They planned, mapped and implemented connectivity to suit the customers and operations teams needs alike – including designing and installing WiFi provision inside the moving glass pod.”

The British Airways i360 visitor attraction will now go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final in October 2017, for the chance to be crowned an overall UK winner.

The shortlist for the Stirling Prize, RIBA’s prestigious accolade for Britain’s best building of the year, will be drawn from the list of 49 RIBA National Award-winning projects.

Read the case study regarding our work with British Airways i360.

Email or call Curve IT on 01273 806220 to discuss your IT infrastructure project.

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