On December 16, 2025, the light sculpture “Infinity of Light” by the exceptional artist Billi Thanner was ceremoniously unveiled between the towers of the Votive Church in Vienna – a temporary installation that combines engineering and art at a height of around 80–90 m.
Technical overview:
- Approx. 28 m long aluminum construction in the shape of an infinity loop
- Mounted on a load-distributing support grid, supported by steel brackets anchored inside the tower
- Torsion-resistant scaffolding tower and two intersecting cantilever beams that were guided through the stone rosettes
- 3D scan of the church towers for precise positioning of the support grid, scaffolding tower, cantilever beams, and sculpture
- Structural design according to Eurocode based on 3D CFD wind analyses (RWIND) and structural models in RFEM
- Consideration of wind-induced vibrations and increased loads due to urban turbulence (up to +20% compared to simplified approaches)
The “Infinity of Light” spans a 28 × 6 meter aluminum sculpture—bathed in warm white light—between the towers of the Votivkirche, creating a contemporary, minimalist counterpoint to the neo-Gothic architecture—a spatial metaphor for continuity, balance, and connection. The sculpture is intended as an independent intervention in public space, creating an open perception without religious exaggeration and “making art visible to everyone who wants to see it,” according to the artist.
The creative process involved an intensive interplay between artistic vision and technical feasibility. Billi Thanner describes this collaboration as follows:
It was clear to me from the very beginning: this vision needs a solid foundation. The connection with KPPK developed through a recommendation – and quickly evolved into a genuine working relationship based on mutual respect. We share a commitment to precision and impact. I felt from the start that we were working toward a common goal.