THE architect behind Brighton’s British Airways i360 tourist attraction has died at the age of 64.

David Marks passed away on Friday following a long illness.

He spent his last days at home with his partner in life and work, Julia Barfield, and their children Benjamin, Maya and Sarah.

Mr Marks was chairman of Brighton i360 Ltd, which owns and operates the seafront attraction.

As well as the i360, Mr Marks leaves a legacy of landmarks including the London Eye, and the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens.

Mr Marks was born in Stockholm in December 1952 and moved to London in 1972 where he met his future wife, Ms Barfield.

In 1989 they formed Marks Barfield Architects and set up Brighton i360 Ltd in 2005.

Together with consultants and companies they secured the planning permission, partners, land and funding for the project, which officially opened in August last year.

The attraction has won nine awards to date for design and innovation, including a RIBA National Award.

Brighton and Hove City Council chief executive Geoff Raw said: “It’s with great sadness we hear about David’s passing.

“David is known internationally as an excellent architect who created landmarks of great creativity and imagination.

“British Airways i360 has also given us a local legacy to remember David by.

“As a human always reaching to new heights in every sense, he helped regeneration in our city and brought delight to visitors.”

West Pier Trust chief executive Rachel Clark said: “David Marks made the most enormous and transforming contribution to both Brighton and the site of the West Pier. His talent, vision and tenacity were incalculable, as was his deep respect for the original work of fellow architect Eugenius Birch, which made him the ideal partner for the West Pier Trust.

“David was wonderful to work with and an inspiration to everyone around him.

“His vision lives on at British Airways i360 and we at the West Pier Trust will honour his memory.”

Mr Marks’ role as chairman will pass to Ms Barfield and the attraction will continue to operate under the remaining board of directors and the executive directorship of Steve Bax.

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