# Helium Balloon Towers 'Floating Observatories' is a Floating Taiwanese Tower By Michael Hines | Published 2010-11-21 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-observatories References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2010/11/18/floating-observatories-by-upgrade-studio-dsba-and-mihai-carciun/) & [upgradestudio.eu](http://www.upgradestudio.eu/) In all my many months of hunting design and architecture, I have never seen anything quite like the 'Floating Observatories' tower. This tower was designed by three architecture firms -- upgrade.studio, DSBA and Mihai Carciun -- for the [Taiwan Tower Conceptual International Competition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/international-balloon-festival). 'Floating Observatories' features eight helium-filled [observation decks that float](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquapraa) around the structure, giving visitors both the view and the ride of their lives. I'm not quite sure if 'Floating Observatories' will see construction anytime soon, but you'd better believe I have my ticket to Taiwan on standby. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Helium-filled Architecture:** The 'Floating Observatories' tower showcases the trend of using helium-filled structures for unique architectural designs. - **Floating Observation Decks:** The 'Floating Observatories' tower highlights the trend of incorporating floating observation decks for immersive and dynamic experiences. - **Conceptual International Competitions:** The Taiwan Tower Conceptual International Competition encourages the trend of pushing boundaries and fostering innovative architectural concepts. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** The architecture industry can explore the disruptive innovation opportunity of using helium-filled structures and floating observation decks for futuristic and immersive designs. - **Tourism:** The tourism industry can leverage the concept of 'Floating Observatories' to attract visitors with unique and thrilling experiences. - **Event Management:** Event management companies can adapt the trend of conceptual international competitions to design and organize innovative and groundbreaking architectural events. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Remote Viewing Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telepresence-observation-pavilion.md) - [Nature Hyperboloid Observation Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/observation-tower-krven.md) - [Timber Nature Reserve Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-lookout-tower.md) - [Donut-Shaped Meteorological Balloons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woven-gateway-and-sky-ring.md) - [Mountain-Top Lookout Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guard-patrol.md) - [Distinctive Airlifted Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karka-tower.md) - [Helium-Filled Airship Yachts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-yacht.md) - [Twisted Concrete Tower Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alta-tower.md) - [Stacked Pebble-Inspired Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calais-port-tower.md)