'A man who transformed skylines': i360 architect dies after long illness

Described as 'a man who transformed skylines', the news was announced by the board of Brighton i360 Ltd today (October 9).

Mr Marks, 64, was the chairman and founder of the i360, which was conceived by Marks Barfield architects, which he ran with his 'partner in life and work' Julia Barfield.

An i360 spokesperson said Mr Marks spent his last days at home with his family: his wife Julia, and their children Benjamin, Maya and Sarah.

In a tribute to Mr Marks, the i360 spokesperson said: "David was an architect whose work was founded in innovation, excellence of design and close collaboration with other disciplines, in particular with engineers. He believed that well-designed buildings and structures can improve the quality of people’s lives.

"He leaves a legacy of much-loved landmarks behind him, including the London Eye, British Airways i360 in Brighton and the Treetop Walkway at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew; all of which demonstrate his wish to elevate the mind as well as the spirit. David transformed skylines, and his vision will continue to offer inspiration and delight to future generations.

"David was born on 15 December 1952 in Stockholm, Sweden and grew up in Geneva in Switzerland. He moved to London in 1972 to attend the Architectural Association School, where he soon met Julia Barfield, a fellow student and close neighbour. The pair married in 1981.

"This was to be the defining creative relationship of his life - David and Julia collaborated throughout their studies and professional careers until in 1989 they formed Marks Barfield Architects, which would go on to become one of the most versatile and innovative architecture practices in the UK.

"David and Julia founded Brighton i360 Ltd in 2005 and are its majority shareholders. Together with a tight-knit group of trusted consultants and companies, many of whom worked with them at the London Eye, they secured the planning permission, partners, land and funding for British Airways i360, before finally building and then opening the attraction in August 2016.

"British Airways i360 has won nine awards to date for design and innovation, including a RIBA National Award.

"David was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list in 2000 and was given a Special Commendation for Outstanding Achievement in Design for Business and Society by the Prince Philip Designers Prize in the same year. He was chairman of the Waterloo Project Board between 2002 and 2007: a £19 million regeneration programme that helped to bring about tangible improvements to everyday life for local residents, employees, and community organisations in London SE1. He was presented with a Civic Award by the Mayor of Lambeth in 2011.

"David’s role as chair of Brighton i360 Ltd will pass to Julia Barfield and the attraction will continue to operate under the remaining board of directors and the executive directorship of Steve Bax.

"David’s funeral will take place at a private ceremony, with details of a memorial to be announced in due course."

A statement by the leaders of the three political groups making up Brighton and Hove City Council paid tribute to Mr Marks.

Cllr Warren Morgan, Cllr Tony Janio and Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty said: "We’d like to pay tribute to the talent and dedication of David Marks, a truly inspirational architect.

"We’re very sorry to hear of the announcement of David’s death on Friday and we’re united in sending our condolences to his wife Julia and all the Marks family as well as the British Airways i360 team at this sad time.

"David and Julia’s work is internationally celebrated, the London Eye being an instantly recognisable outline on the capital’s landscape. In Brighton & Hove, the British Airways i360 stands tall as a proud reminder of David’s achievement.

"The British Airways i360 was developed over many years and was considered by local politicians from all parties along the way to becoming a towering success on our seafront. We’re all saddened by the loss of such a talented forward thinking man.”