# Turbine-Covered Bridges The Solar Wind Concept Hopes to Modernize an Old Italian Highway By Meghan Young | Published 2011-02-03 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-wind References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2011/02/got-a-lot-of-sp.php) & [popsci](http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-02/wind-turbines-embedded-italian-viaduct-would-preserve-architecture-and-generate-power) The Solar Wind concept hopes to modernize an old [Italian viaduct](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vincent-boutin). Sometimes, it's more trouble to get rid of something rather than to keep it, which is the case for this bridge. Instead of forking over $55 million to destroy it, the city has called for ways to upgrade it, so to speak. Italian designers Francesco Colarossi, Giovanna Saracino and Luisa Saracino have rallied with their Solar Wind concept. It essentially covers the bridge with [dozens of turbines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grain-blanc), therefore updating its looks as well as its eco-friendly status. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 72% | 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 - **Renewable Energy Integration:** The Solar Wind concept demonstrates the integration of renewable energy technology into existing infrastructure. - **Sustainable Infrastructure:** Covering bridges with turbines presents an opportunity to transform outdated structures into sustainable infrastructure projects. - **Urban Renewal:** The use of turbines on bridges showcases the potential for urban renewal projects that combine aesthetics with environmentally-friendly solutions. ### Where This Applies - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can explore opportunities for integrating wind turbines into existing structures like bridges. - **Construction:** The construction industry can explore innovative solutions for repurposing and modernizing old infrastructure without demolishing it. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planning professionals can utilize the concept of turbine-covered bridges to revitalize urban spaces while promoting sustainable development. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wind Turbine Compact Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blademade.md) - [Energy-Generating Park Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-park.md) - [Sheltered Timber Chinese Bridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fw-ji-covered-bridge-on-aqueduct.md) - [Turbine-Based Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blademade-1.md) - [Adaptive Parking Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/niels-bohr-car-park.md) - [Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vineyard-building.md) - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Sustainable Car Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/we-harvest-wind.md) - [Single-Blade Offshore Wind Turbines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/singleblade-offshore-wind-turbine.md)