Virkkunen & Co Turns a Functional Structure into a Unique Design
Francesca Mercurio — October 18, 2021 — Art & Design
References: dezeen
Virkkunen & Co, a Finnish architecture studio, has designed electrical infrastructure with a sculptural and timeless aesthetic. Located in Imatra, Finland, this unique design has been shortlisted in the Business category of this year's Dezeen Awards.
The sculptural design consists of five pylons made of white steel and a perforated brick substation, all supporting a series of electrical wires. Despite having practical and functional use, the architects wanted to create an infrastructure design that complemented the surrounding natural landscape. The support structures all have a unique diamond and triangular shape and sit low to the ground in order to not disrupt the natural landscape. Moreover, the white coloration makes the structure swiftly blend into the wintery landscape and equally well in the summertime.
The studio explains, "the material choices, forms, and colors of the new structures are abstract and timeless...[for] the new facilities to stand out but to not overpower the views of the area."
Image Credit: Tuomas Kivinen, Max Plunger
The sculptural design consists of five pylons made of white steel and a perforated brick substation, all supporting a series of electrical wires. Despite having practical and functional use, the architects wanted to create an infrastructure design that complemented the surrounding natural landscape. The support structures all have a unique diamond and triangular shape and sit low to the ground in order to not disrupt the natural landscape. Moreover, the white coloration makes the structure swiftly blend into the wintery landscape and equally well in the summertime.
The studio explains, "the material choices, forms, and colors of the new structures are abstract and timeless...[for] the new facilities to stand out but to not overpower the views of the area."
Image Credit: Tuomas Kivinen, Max Plunger
Trend Themes
1. Sculptural Infrastructure Designs - The trend towards creating infrastructure with unique and visually-pleasing designs opens opportunities for architects and civil engineers to incorporate art into utility.
2. Functional Design Aesthetics - There is a growing trend towards creating designs that are functional and practical, yet still aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting.
3. Blending Into Natural Environment - The emphasis on integrating structures into the natural landscape offers opportunities for architects and engineers to design sustainable, eco-friendly infrastructure projects.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architecture industry can take advantage of the trend towards creating visually-pleasing infrastructure by incorporating unique designs into functional structures.
2. Civil Engineering - Civil engineers can take the design aspect into account while designing functional and practical infrastructure, creating sustainable designs that blend into their surrounding environment.
3. Utility Industry - The utility industry can benefit from creating unique infrastructure designs that not only serve their practical function but are also pleasing to the eye and integrate into their natural surroundings.
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