A new exhibition titled "Power" at the afo (Architecture Forum of Upper Austria) in Linz explores the fascinating intersection between political power and architectural design, showcasing how global superpowers have used buildings to project strength and influence. The exhibition, which runs through the end of the year, represents the first major show under the leadership of new afo director Clemens Quirin, who took over from Franz Koppelstätter during the summer.
The exhibition features a surprising local connection that many Upper Austrians might not know about. The renowned steel manufacturer voestalpine, known throughout Austria for producing high-quality steel, once operated its own architectural bureau. This in-house design team created an aesthetically impressive radiation protection bunker in 1972-1973, which was constructed not only as a functional structure but also to test thick-walled steel components for actual radiation protection capabilities.
Quirin's curatorial approach spans a wide geographical and thematic range, from local Upper Austrian examples to international case studies in Belgium, examining everything from nuclear armament architecture to buildings designed for ecological transition. The exhibition demonstrates how architecture has long served as a physical manifestation of political and economic power, with structures designed to communicate strength, technological advancement, and ideological supremacy to both domestic and international audiences.
The show particularly focuses on how different types of power – whether military, economic, or environmental – have shaped architectural expression throughout the modern era. From Cold War-era bunkers to contemporary sustainable energy facilities, the exhibition traces the evolution of "power architecture" and its role in shaping public perception and national identity. Visitors can explore how these structures serve dual purposes: functioning as practical facilities while simultaneously acting as powerful symbols of state capability and technological prowess.
The exhibition comes at a particularly relevant time, as discussions about energy independence, climate change, and geopolitical tensions continue to influence contemporary architectural and urban planning decisions across Europe and beyond.
