Last week I came across a picture of a transmission tower on Facebook that truly amazed me, and I had to find more information. Transmission towers are among the most important and largest assets of an electrical utility. There are hundreds of thousands of transmission towers in the United States. A transmission tower is a tall steel lattice structure used to support an overhead power line and transport electricity from place to place. The suspension towers typically soar 49 -180 feet high. Although they are sometimes unsightly, they are very necessary.  

 That has all changed with the American architecture design firm of Choi + Shine. This firm has revolutionized the appearance of transmission towers by transforming them into functional works of art. The project is called “The Land of Giants.” 

Iceland’s national power transmission company was seeking out new transmission towers that would provide low environment impact and continue to deliver electricity.  These majestic pylon figures can be configured to respond to their environment with the appropriate gestures. For instance, if the electrical lines span over open areas, the pylon figure will stretch upward to gain increased height.   

When an electrical line goes up a hill, the pylon figure posture is changed to imitate a person climbing. Choi + Shine advise that the transmission towers do more than transport electricity.

“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.”

There are other new creative transmission tower designs in existence, but I think “The Land of Giants” is the most imaginative. I wonder if the design firm could configure one wearing a cowboy hat?!