Certainly not there for aesthetics, can only think of innovative, open gridwork and metal lightning protection. Tell us the geographical area for an isokeraunic map search. On the other hand there appears to be a structure of a bridge? at the top of the photo: a catchall for flying vehicles based on experience. Not in my backyard! ?
I'm thinking along the lines of artificial tree canopy. The supporting struts are shaped a bit like branches of a tree. The canopy structure is undulating using catenary curves to form a forest canopy shape. Perhaps they will be training vegetation to climb over the structure. There is a movement to put vertical “forests” on buildings along with planting roof spaces so this may be a similar idea but on a grand scale.
The only bit I'm not sure about is the very straight “walkway” that doesn't fit with the above theory.
For lightning protection I'd stick with a decent pointy conductor with big copper earth straps to ground by the shortest path.
