Austria Transforms Electricity Towers into Massive Animal Sculptures for Power Lines
If you’ve ever embarked on a road trip, it’s likely that you’ve seen impressive power structures constructed from steel. Referred to as electricity pylons (or transmission towers), these usually latticed forms support high-voltage overhead power lines, facilitating the transportation of electricity. While essential for the operation of cities, their design often clashes with the surrounding landscape. In a bid to enhance their appearance, the [Austrian Power Grid](https://www.apg.at) has envisioned pylons as large animal sculptures.
Dubbed *Austrian Power Giants*, the initial two models of these animal-shaped pylons represent a stork and a stag. The stork serves as a nod to the annual migration of these birds to the western region of Burgenland, while the stag symbolizes the forests at the base of the Alps. The goal is to ensure that Austria’s nine states are represented by a power giant. Consequently, the company aspires for these sculptures to foster public acceptance of grid expansion initiatives.
“By redesigning functional structures into regional landmarks, the Austrian Power Giants aim to advocate for sustainable infrastructure, reinforce local identity, and boost business and tourism opportunities throughout the nation,” [states](https://www.apg.at/en/projects/austrian-power-giants-1) the Austrian Power Grid.
The two prototypes have already gone through pre-testing for structural integrity and high-voltage capability. To bring them to fruition, the Austrian Power Grid collaborated with construction firm [BauCon](https://www.baucon.com/) and designer Roland Kaufmann of [GP designpartners](https://www.gp.co.at/). This concept has garnered attention beyond Austria, receiving a [Red Dot Award](https://www.red-dot.org/de/project/austrian-power-giants-83082) for concept design in the Electrification and Decarbonization category.
Despite the creative inspiration behind these design ideas, there are currently no definitive plans for implementation. In the interim, miniature models of these sculptures can be viewed at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore until October 2026.
The Austrian Power Grid has envisioned pylons as grand animal sculptures, each representing nature’s “power giants.”
Named *Austrian Power Giants*, the first two models of these animal-designed pylons feature a stork and a stag.
The objective is to have Austria’s nine states symbolized by a power giant.
In turn, the company anticipates that these sculptures will enhance public approval for grid expansion projects.
**Austrian Power Grid: [Website](https://www.apg.at)**
_Sources: [Power lines shaped as animal sculptures supply electricity across Austria](https://www.designboom.com/technology/power-lines-animal-sculptures-supply-electricity-austria-giants-10-23-2025/)_
_All images via Austrian Power Grid and Red Dot Awards._
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