While it has been claimed for some time, the British Airways i360 in Brighton, UK, has now been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most slender tower in the world. Also said to be the world's tallest moving observation tower, the attraction will provide views of 26 miles (42 km) around when complete.
The i360, formerly known as the Brighton i360, comprises a single viewing pod 10 times the size of those on the London Eye. That pod will accommodate 200 people and will move up and down a central tower. That tower rises 160.469 m (526.473 ft) above the ground and has a diameter of 3.9 m (12.8), giving it a height-to-width aspect ratio of 41.15:1.
"We have used groundbreaking engineering with this tower construction," says chief engineer and director at British Airways i360 John Roberts. "Its height-to-width aspect ratio is considerably more than other tall buildings, such as The Shard's ratio of six-to-one or BT Tower's of eight-to-one."
To apply for the record, it was necessary for the i360 team to submit technical data and specific measurements, as well as to have the application verified by structural engineers. The record was verified on Jan. 26 and the i360 is due to open in the middle of this year.
The video below provides an introduction to the British Airways i360.
Source: British Airways i360, Guinness World Records