A number of external architectural features characterise the building form from a visual point of view. Blackpool has a tradition of massive structures (the tower, piers, fun park structures, etc), and these have become a representative image of the town. External Y-shaped columns run along the two primary facades -the northern and western edges of the building - connecting the two entrances, and highlighting the retail frontages along the primary public routes into the town centre. The fritted vertical glass 'hit and miss' panels provide additional interest to the largely glazed elevations and assist in reducing solar overheating. Vertical fins span the building elevations, forming a wave-like appearance which also echoes the wave shapes formed in the beach. Options were explored by testing various designs against the reduction in solar glare with the combined visual and shading effect of this design.
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