Silo buildings: A new image in the urban landscape

Authors

  • Zeynep Kerem Öztürk image/svg+xml İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim Üniversitesi

    Zeynep Kerem Ozturk was born in Istanbul. After attending primary, secondary, and high school at Kultur College, she graduated from the ITU Department of Architecture in 1978. 1993 she completed her PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at ITU Institute of Science and Technology. She worked in Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality between 1980-2008. She worked as a Manager in the Directorate of Housing and Squatter Affairs and as a Control Engineer in the Directorate of Structural Affairs and retired in 2008. After working as a construction site chief in a private company related to antiquities, she has been an assistant professor at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Department of Architecture since 2015. Her areas of interest are urbanism and zoning Law, urban and regional planning, urban conservation, urban sociology, urban planning, urban transformation, and industrial and historical building re-functionalization. Her hobbies include oil painting and watercolor painting.

  • Ahmet Kurnaz image/svg+xml İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim Üniversitesi

    Ahmet Kurnaz graduated from Kabatas High School in 2008, received his bachelor’s degree from the Middle East Technical University Department of Architecture in 2013, Master's degree from Yildiz Technical University Department of Architecture in 2021, and PhD degree from Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Department of Architecture in 2024. He is an assistant professor in the Architecture Department at the Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. His research interests include conservation, architectural design, heritage, interior design, sustainable design, refunctioning historical buildings, architectural tourism, and museums.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2025.v6i1155

Keywords:

architectural interventions, industrial heritage preservation, silo buildings, urban regeneration, adaptive reuse

Abstract

Silo buildings, traditionally used for storing bulk commodities such as grain, cement, and seeds, have become emblematic of industrial heritage while increasingly facing obsolescence in modern cities. Their cylindrical forms, dictated initially by utilitarian priorities, have made them prominent landmarks in urban and rural landscapes. With advancements in agricultural technology, shifts in logistics, and urban expansion, many silos lost their primary functions, leading to their abandonment or demolition. Recognizing the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of these structures, this study examines the potential of adaptive reuse—mainly through façade modifications and structural alterations—to transform silo buildings into vibrant elements of the contemporary urban fabric. A qualitative multiple-case study methodology was adopted to analyze four exemplary projects: Portland Towers, The Silo, Gemini Residence in Copenhagen, and Sugar City in Amsterdam. Data collection involved the review of architectural documentation, historical records, and visual media, with site observations and, where possible, stakeholder interviews. This approach enabled an in-depth exploration of the strategies employed to convert monumental, monolithic silos into fully functional environments. Central to these transformations were façade interventions—such as the introduction of windows, balconies, and new cladding materials—that humanized previously austere exteriors and improved interior light and ventilation. Structural additions and interior reconfigurations were also critical, helping silo buildings comply with modern building standards and accommodate a range of new functions, including offices, residences, and cultural venues. Findings highlight how carefully balanced preservation and innovation can conserve industrial authenticity while meeting contemporary urban needs. These projects illustrate how adaptive reuse revitalizes obsolete buildings and contributes to urban regeneration by attracting economic investment, enhancing local identity, and promoting sustainability through the conservation of embodied energy. Moreover, preserving a silo’s cylindrical core while introducing modern features fosters a sense of continuity between past and present, reinforcing communal memory. Ultimately, the case studies underscore adaptive reuse as a practical, culturally sensitive pathway for reimagining silo buildings—one that merges historical significance, architectural creativity, and sustainable development to produce dynamic new landmarks in evolving urban landscapes.

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Published

2025-04-30

How to Cite

Kerem Öztürk, Z., & Kurnaz, A. (2025). Silo buildings: A new image in the urban landscape . Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, 6(1), 20–39. https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2025.v6i1155

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Research Articles