The architect won a competition to design the ensemble back in 2003, beating leaders of contemporary English architecture such as Richard Rogers and Wilkinson Eyre. At the same time, it was announced that Gehry would help in the detailed development of the project for Brad Pitt, who has been listed as his "student" for some time (he was entrusted with a restaurant and a penthouse apartment).
But the height of the 38-storey residential towers seemed excessive to the state commission, and the final version consists of two 25-storey buildings (75 m) and half of the lower residential blocks - in total, there will be 754 apartments, of which 40% will be social housing.
At the center of the complex will be a £ 46 million sports center with a domed roof made of multi-colored metal panels. There will also be cafes and shops in small squares and alleys located within the complex. They will be decorated with works by the sculptor Anthony Gormley, author of the famous "Angel of the North".
Gehry's project has sparked controversy in the Brighton Hove metropolitan area (in fact, a new complex will be built on the territory of the latter). Its size and extravagant appearance is considered by many to be at odds with an elite resort steeped in history. Others, on the contrary, expect only a positive effect from the construction of the famous architect: in their opinion, it reflects the diverse life of an international resort, and the sports center is a new word in the architecture of such structures for the next 20 years.
