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# Water Tower Climbing Walls
The ‘Silo Project' Converts Old Silos Into Fitness Fun

By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-05-09 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-silo-project
References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/20955/the-silo-competition-proposal-by-nl-architects/) & [nlarchitects.nl](http://www.nlarchitects.nl/)

The 'Silo Project' from NL Architects takes two [abandoned water treatment silos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vga-water-tower) in Amsterdam and converts them into a [mixed-use public fitness facility](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ballers-sports-venue).

The primary feature of the NL Architects' 'Silo Project' is its 131-foot climbing wall, complete with cantilevers, overhangs and wall facets. There's also a hotel, training facility, cafe, restaurant, salon, movie theater, music studio, and ample office space.

**Implications** - Modern architecture is about new designs and the [reinvention of old buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ironworks-caf) into something fresh. The modernization of classic structures provides a whole new perspective to viewers who have since long forgotten about them due to the fast-paced changes of cities. Recent concepts will have architects bringing contemporary designs as well as traditional ones that have been given a makeover for the generation to enjoy.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.6/10
- Popularity: 26% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Reinventing Abandoned Buildings:** There are opportunities to convert old buildings into modern and functional spaces, such as fitness facilities, through innovative design concepts.
- **Mixed-use Public Spaces:** The idea of combining various functions in one space can create a unique and attractive destination for people to visit and enjoy.
- **Climbing Walls as a Fitness Trend:** The popularity of climbing walls as a unique and exciting way to get fit and have fun is on the rise, creating opportunities for businesses to cater to this market.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Architecture:** Architecture firms can capitalize on the trend of reinventing and repurposing old buildings into functional and modern spaces.
- **Fitness and Wellness:** Gyms and fitness centers can take advantage of the rising popularity of climbing walls as a fun and challenging way to stay fit.
- **Hospitality:** The concept of mixed-use public spaces can create opportunities for hotels and restaurants to offer unique and attractive destinations for visitors.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Water Tower-Transformed Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amsterdamsestraatweg-water-tower.md)
- [Climbing Wall-Integrated Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/musa-apartment.md)
- [Rock-Climbing Work Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidden-climbing-gym.md)
- [Industrial Converted Hotel Lobbies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacalan-block.md)
- [Social Sports Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ballers-sports-venue.md)
- [Renovated Historic Design Complexes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boksto-6.md)
- [Reimagined Riverside Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gate-m-west-bund-dream-center.md)
- [Elevated Leisure Habitats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevated-leisure-habitat.md)
- [Sculptural Water Tower Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vga-water-tower.md)
