Here is a mighty good example of how apparently “useless” objects— however big they are, could be put to good use.

Since the officials of the city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were not prepared to let go waste three abandoned sewage treatment silos, they invited proposals, on a competitive basis, in order to settle on the best use that these structures can be put to use.

An interesting and practical proposal came from NL Architects, based in Amsterdam, suggesting that the huge silos be turned into climbing towers. The silos would also house multi-purpose areas, offices, restaurants and such other commercial spaces.

According to the plan put forward by NL Architects, in the fashion of the Denmark Water Tower Renovation, the roofs of two towers of Amsterdam’s silos could be extended up to 18 meters – the maximum height the towers could support.

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The human-powered floating gym is the latests cool concept I’ve read about these days. I never thought that pedaling on a bike and burning calories, could actually be turned into a very green (river) transportation solution in New York City. Apparently architect Mitchell Joachim and personal trainer Douglas Joachim, did. They designed the River Gym.

I don’t know about you, but to be honest I thought at least once, that there is a significant amount of lost energy during workout and how can we use it somehow. I never managed to be that creative as these guys, and since their idea is really great for using the human power to tackle some transportation needs, they get my vote.

If they’ll ever be produced, the River Gyms will be floating along the Hudson and East rivers in Manhattan, stopping every 15 minutes to a new destination. Isn’t it a great way to peak on the view from a non-polluting “vessel”?

Though it’s a great idea, I’m holding my horses knowing that this thing won the New York Magazine’s Create a Gym competition in 2005 and we can’t workout on the river yet. Maybe there’s someone interested to invest and make it a great attraction in NYC. What do you think, does it have a chance?