Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The Land of Giants: Powerful & Aesthetically Pleasing Pylons




To turn ugly looking pylons into majestic 150 foot sculptures. I know it's not new, in fact, it's from 2008, but I don't care, it's a brilliant idea and I want to share! This project, 'The Land of Giants', by Choi + Shine won honorable mention at the Icelandic High-Voltage Electrical Pylon International Design Competition. It is, for designers, an original way to rethink electrical pylons.


From the architect firm: "Making only minor alterations to well established steel-framed tower design, we have created a series of towers that are powerful, solemn and variable. These iconic pylon-figures will become monuments in the landscape. Seeing the pylon-figures will become an unforgettable experience, elevating the towers to something more than merely a functional design of necessity."


"The pylon-figures can be configured to respond to their environment with appropriate gestures. As the carried electrical lines acend a hill, the pylon-figures change posture, imitating a climbing person. Over long spans, the pylon-figure stretches to gain increased height, crouches for increased strenght or strains under the weight of the wires."  


"Like the statues of Easter Island, it is envisioned that these one hundred and fifty foot tall, modern caryatids will take on a quiet authority, belonging to their landscape yet serving the people, silently transporting electricity across all terrain, day and night, sunshine or snow."



Images from Choi + Shine

The Giants are not a part of the Icelandic landscape yet, but I really hope to see them in the future! While waiting, have a look at the 'The Power Collection' by norwegian brand Funkle. They created lovely cushions and plaids to stay warm and stylish!

Image from Funkle via Norway Designs

No comments:

Post a Comment