No to Silo Thinking

What does it take to breathe new life into a forgotten industrial island? Group NAO partnered with the city of Odense to reimagine Siloøen, a long-neglected industrial island in the heart of the city’s inner harbour. With a mandate to transform the area into a place for everyone, locals and visitors, young and old, NAO was tasked with translating existing research, community insights, and city ambitions into bold yet viable future scenarios. Through this collaboration, four thematic concept tracks were developed, each grounded in ten strategic design criteria, including sustainability, cultural vibrancy, and historical continuity. Among them, S24 emerged as the preferred direction – a multifaceted cultural framework that positions Siloøen as a center for creative urban life.

The S24 vision reimagines the island’s 24 iconic silos as cultural microcosms, each one activated by a mix of art, movement, climate action, and community programming. From vertical farming and sound art to escape rooms, rooftop dining, and youth-driven innovation labs, S24 invites play, participation, and bold experimentation. Designed with a phased, temporary-first approach, the concept lays the foundation for long-term transformation while generating immediate momentum. With its playful seriousness and imaginative depth, S24 aims to transform Siloøen into a living landmark, Odense’s answer to Le Voyage à Nantes and Reffen in Copenhagen, and a model for regenerative urban renewal.