There are not many structures in the world more bleak than a prison. Which makes it all the more interesting that a team of architects is set to transform a former prison complex into a sleek, eco-friendly mixed-use development. The team at OMA New York worked in collaboration with LOLA landscape architects to win a competition to transform a former prison complex in Amsterdam into a 1.5-million-square-foot development. The complex, which is located in the southeastern section of the city, will feature 1,350 residential units, ranging from rentals to luxury condominiums, with nearly one-third designated as affordable housing.

The plan calls for the demolition of five out of six former prison towers. While several new structures will be replaced, the last remaining original tower will be used as a "green tower" containing a vertical park and urban farming plots. The former central prison building will also be retained as a central design and arts center. Other spaces within the new complex include a restaurant, a health center, a school, a series of parks, and an underground parking lot.

The space will include parks for local residents to enjoy.

By using solar panels, wind turbines, and a waste decomposition system, every building on the site intends to be completely energy-neutral. What's more, OMA's design calls for the reuse or recycling of 98 percent of the existing building materials from the former prison complex.

"Reuse of building materials is a key part of the redevelopment plans: prefab elements from the existing walls are to be reused as cladding for new residential buildings, prison bars will be used as balustrades, and the cell doors are to become edge panels for the new pedestrian bridges," OMA explained in a statement.

While there hasn't been an announced completion date, construction is scheduled to begin in early 2018.