Animal sculptures double as conceptual power lines in Austria

Concept power lines shaped like animal sculptures are envisioned to deliver electricity across Austria’s nine federal states.Called the Austrian Power Giants, these artistic electricity towers are modeled after animals symbolizing each region.

For example, the stork, representing Burgenland for its famous annual migration (with the town of Rust known as the “City of Storks”), and the stag, symbolizing the forested foothills of the Alps in Lower Austria.

The proposed installations would span Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Vienna.

Stork and stag prototypes designed for testing

The project is a collaboration between Austrian Power Grid, GP designpartners, and BauCon.So far, two prototypes — the stork and the stag — have been developed and pre-tested for structural stability and high-voltage performance, assessing whether power lines shaped as animal sculptures can be safely built.

The teams believe these nature-inspired designs could improve public acceptance of grid expansion projects, transforming necessary infrastructure into regional landmarks celebrating local fauna.Traditional power pylons are often seen as eyesores, so the designers hope their animal-shaped structures will be viewed more positively — harmonizing technology with nature while enhancing tourism and regional identity.

Recognition and public exhibition

Miniature models of the Austrian Power Giants will be on display at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore until October 2026, following their Red Dot Award 2025 for concept design in electrification and decarbonization.

Written by Otávio Santiago, a designer passionate about creating meaningful visual experiences through graphic, motion, and 3D design. Based between Berlin and Lisbon, he works across disciplines — from print and branding to digital and animation.