# Modernized Stone Architecture This Ancient Tibetan Tourist Center is Equipped with WiFi By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2015-10-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tibetan-tourist References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/775227/tibet-namchabawa-visitor-centre-standardarchitecture) This Tibetan tourist center is an ancient looking stone-clad building that is surprisingly equipped with modern technology. The tourist center provides comprehensive information about the town for visitors but also doubles as the city's central meeting place. For backpackers, the building works as a supply base, but for villagers, it is a much more useful place. The Tibet Namchabawa Visitor Center includes a reception/information area, public toilets, stores, medical services and even a a Wi-Fi bar. The building itself is set on a slope and is made of a series of stone walls that follow the topography of the land that surrounds them. From outside, most visitors are unsure if the obscure structure is a historical monument or a tourist center. To most visitors' surprise however, the interior proves to be modern -- providing numerous services and even a rooftop garden. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 86% | 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) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Ancient-meets-modern:** The trend of integrating modern technology and services into ancient architecture presents opportunities for creating unique visitor experiences. - **Smart Tourist Centers:** The trend of equipping tourist centers with modern amenities such as WiFi and comprehensive information services offers opportunities to enhance the overall visitor experience. - **Multi-purpose Buildings:** The trend of designing buildings that serve multiple functions, such as acting as a meeting place, supply base, and service center, provides opportunities for maximizing space utilization and catering to diverse user needs. ### Where This Applies - **Architectural Design:** Architects and designers can explore innovative approaches to blending ancient aesthetics with modern functionality, creating structures that offer both historical charm and contemporary conveniences. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** The tourism industry can leverage the concept of modernized stone architecture to attract visitors by providing unique and captivating experiences that seamlessly combine tradition and modernity. - **Smart Infrastructure:** The integration of technology and services into ancient buildings opens opportunities for the smart infrastructure industry to develop solutions that enhance connectivity, accessibility, and user experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mandala-Shaped Meditation Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mahamudra-meditation-centre.md) - [Landscape-Concealed Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chaohu-natural-and-cultural-centre.md) - [Sculptural Cultural Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aydc-public-art-centre.md) - [Landmark-Based Buddhist Temples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uppercloister.md) - [Visitor Centre Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ightham-mote-visitor-centre.md) - [Wooden Mountain Visitor Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pustevny-gateway.md) - [Concrete Cultural Visitor Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villagers-home.md) - [Stone-Like Discreet Glass Viewpoints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drifting-stones.md) - [Bee-Watching Wooden Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shannan-beehive-observation-cabin.md)