Technology meets conceptual art at the Votivkirche in Vienna
We are proud to be part of an extraordinary project: the structural engineering – in cooperation with KS Ingenieure ZT GmbH – of the “Infinity Loop,” a spectacular light installation by artist Billi Thanner, suspended between the towers of the Votivkirche.
🔧 Engineering & Aesthetics at a height of approx. 80 meters
The artwork consists of a roughly 56-meter-long aluminum structure, supported by a temporary scaffolding system at dizzying heights. The design takes into account demanding wind loads from various directions – simulated using 3D CFD models with RWIND & RFEM.
💡 Our responsibilities:
Structural analysis in accordance with Eurocode
Consideration of the flexibility of temporary structures
Use of realistic material assumptions (e.g. heat-affected zones in aluminum)
Focus on safety and durability
Analysis of wind-induced vibrations affecting the towers
The wind studies show: under urban turbulence, loads can increase by up to +20% – making precise modeling and design concepts absolutely essential.
Location: Votivkirche, Rooseveltplatz, Vienna
Artist: Billi Thanner
Technical precision meets sacred architecture – this project demonstrates how engineering can help shape urban culture.
