Could pylons be used by the public? Swedish architects propose spiralling tower for Stockholm park
by Kim Megson | 05 Sep 2016
Swedish firm Anders Berensson Architects have been commissioned by the country’s Royal Court to investigate the future of twelve disused pylon towers in one of Stockholm’s national parks, with a view to transforming them into community structures.
The result is an innovative proposal to turn at least two of the structures into ‘Power Towers’ – observation points with panoramic views of the Norra Djurgården park.
“The towers are constructed to carry heavy power lines over the park’s treetops, making them strong enough to hold platforms and high enough to give a great view,” said the architects. “The added stairs and platforms are made in wood to reduce weight and to contrast to the old structure.”
The towers have been designed with a kiosk in the lower levels that can sell food and drink for picnickers during the summertime. Platforms up the structure would provide ample space for visitors to sit and enjoy their food.
The proposal is currently in the concept stage, but the architects have said they are seeking funding to turn the vision into a reality.
The Power Tower concept follows a number of similarly creative observation structures that have recently been completed in Europe.
These include architecture practice Close to the Bone’s gravity-defying tower in a Belgian forest, Franek Architects’ meandering Sky Walk in a Czech forest valley, MVRD’s giant staircase outside Rotterdam train station, and a triangular viewpoint built on the side of a Norwegian mountain.
Sweden Stockholm observation tower architecture design viewpoint Anders Berensson Architects
Twelve pylons currently stand in a Stockholm park
Credit: Anders Berensson Architects
Visitors would be able to enjoy picnics from the top of the tower Credit: Anders Berensson Architects
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Swedish firm Anders Berensson Architects have been commissioned by the country’s Royal Court to investigate the future of twelve disused pylon towers in one of Stockholm’s national parks, with a view to transforming them into community structures. The result is an innovative proposal to turn at least two of the structures into ‘Power Towers’ – observation points with panoramic views of the Norra Djurgården park. “The towers are constructed to
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
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