Land of The Giants Project for Iceland
This design transforms mundane electrical pylons into statues on the Icelandic landscape.Choi + Shine,is the US architecture practice behind the proposal
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 ascend 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 strength or
strains under the weight of the wires.The pylon-figures can also be arranged to create a sense of place
through deliberate expression. Subtle alterations in the hands and head
combined with repositioning of the main body parts in the x, y and
z-axis, allow for a rich variety of expressions. The pylon-figures can
be placed in pairs, walking in the same direction or opposite
directions, glancing at each other as they pass by or kneeling
respectively, head bowed at a town.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.
