24 May 2011 | Angus Hutchison
Construction, Energy, Europe

 

Designers and engineers have energy pylons in their sights as they compete for their share of a £10,000 prize.

A new competition has been launched by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and National Grid to create a new design for the old-fashioned looking energy carrier.

The steel lattice framework has barely changed since Sir Reginald Bloomfield chose the design in 1927.

The existing structures are 300 yards apart with concrete foundations and weather-proof grey paint to withstand strong winds, ice, lightning strikes, snow and floods. The lattice structure allows wind to pass through and does not block the surrounding landscape.

In Iceland, steel pylons are in the shape of running humans and in Canada a tall, white thin pylon is used called the lily. The competition organisers hope that the competition will inspire the creativity in UK architects, designers and engineers.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said: “The equivalent of twenty new power stations is needed by 2020 to meet the dual challenge of climate change and energy security, much more beyond that, and they’ll all need connecting to the grid.

“It’s crucial that we seek the most acceptable ways of accommodating infrastructure in our natural and urban landscapes.”

National Grid’s Executive Director UK, Nick Winser said: “The pylon as we know it has served the nation well, but new technologies and materials mean there may now be opportunities for new designs.”

“National Grid is excited to be part of this design challenge. We will give serious consideration to developing the winning design for use in future projects.”

The competition is now live and open for registrationand closes on 12 July. The pylon designs will be on show to the public at an exhibition at the V&A as part of London Design Festival (17-25 September).

Image: Mark Robinson | flickr

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