Let’s say renewable energy from wind and solar become the new norm, what do we do with the gigantic tankers that ship oil around the world? A group of Dutch artists imagined reusing these behemoths as space usable by the public.
The Black Gold Project is a joint project of artists Chris Collaris Design, Ruben Esser, Sander Bakker, and Patrick van der Gronde, Weburbanist reports.
Based on renderings, the project involves anchoring tankers to the shore as permanent land buildings, designed to accommodate cultural and event spaces, retail, or public parks. In the words of Art Director Ruben Esser, “The Black Gold Project is an answer to the contemporary search for true iconic buildings in the Southern Gulf region.”
“The biggest concern in the newly grounded architectural culture of the post-global cities in the Gulf area can be described as an overdose of pretentious iconic buildings,” designer Chris Collaris contends. “By changing the function of the discarded mega oil tanker in a sustainable and functional way, the anchored mega ship can be kept as a true icon of the Arabic States in Southern Gulf region into the present and next era.”
Weburbanist points out several practical drawbacks to be considered, such as the impact of waves, saltwater, and wind over time. “Still, as a conceptual project, the idea is compelling—if more poetic than realistic,” the article states. “Turn the very vessels responsible for the rise and fall of these oil-producing nations into something new that remains, at the same time, a monument to days gone by."
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 19, 2020
A new ULI report chronicles the depaving of America
Fifteen examples of how parks and green spaces emerged from parking lots, garages, and underpasses.
Libraries | Jan 23, 2020
Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both
Are libraries still relevant in a digital world?
Cultural Facilities | Dec 4, 2019
Snøhetta wins competition to design maritime center in Esbjerg, Denmark
The project’s design was developed with WERK Arkitekter.
Cultural Facilities | Dec 1, 2019
Small-venue theaters play starring cultural and economic roles in New York City’s economy
A new study identifies the challenges these theaters face, and offers possible solutions that include more city support.
Cultural Facilities | Nov 11, 2019
‘The Whale’ will be an arctic attraction 185 miles north of the Arctic Circle
Dorte Mandrup won an international competition to design the project.
Cultural Facilities | Nov 1, 2019
Coldefy & Associés’ design selected for Pulse nightclub shooting memorial
The design was selected from 68 entries.
Cultural Facilities | Oct 29, 2019
A watchtower in Harlem, once a firefighter’s lookout, is restored as a landmark
The nearly $8 million project required major structural interventions.
Giants 400 | Oct 3, 2019
Top 65 Cultural Sector Construction Firms for 2019
Whiting-Turner, Turner, PCL, Clark Group, and Gilbane top the rankings of the nation's largest cultural facility sector contractors and construction management firms, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2019 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Oct 3, 2019
Top 70 Cultural Sector Engineering Firms for 2019
Jacobs, Arup, EXP, BRPH, and Thornton Tomasetti head the rankings of the nation's largest cultural facility sector engineering and engineering architecture (EA) firms, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2019 Giants 300 Report.
