This design transforms mundane electrical pylons into statues on the Icelandic landscape by making only small alterations to existing pylon design

Brookline, MA-based Jin Choi & Thomas Shine of Choi+Shine (click for more images) recently received the 2010 Boston Society of Architects Unbuilt Architecture Award for their “Land of Giants” project. The project was originally submitted for an Icelandic pylon competition, where it received an honorable mention. The competition was to find a new typology for Iceland’s high voltage power lines and pylons.

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.

Project Type: High-Voltage Pylon Competition

Location: Iceland

Type of Client: Landsnet, a public company that owns and runs the electrical transmission system in Iceland.

New or Renovation: New – Pylon design competition.

Special constraints & site description: The pylons were intended to be constructible, affordable and durable.

Design challenges & solutions: We sought to make an iconic, unforgettable pylon, that created an identity for Iceland and the power company.

Original/Adaptation: The design is original.

Innovative building components: Each structure is composed of a kit of parts, minimizing construction costs.

Sustainable design elements: The structure is predominantly recyclable.

Material use: Steel, glass and concrete.

Completion date: 2008

Others involved : None

Designed by: Jin Choi & Thomas Shine, Choi+Shine Architects.