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
Performing Arts Centers | Aug 31, 2016
Sydney Opera House scheduled for $200 million upgrade
Acoustical improvements will be made alongside upgrades in accessibility, efficiency, and flexibility.
| Aug 30, 2016
CONVENTION CENTER GIANTS: A ranking of the nation's top convention center sector design and construction firms
Gensler, LMN Architects, AECOM, Turner Construction Co., and WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest convention center sector AEC firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 27, 2016
Yellowstone Park Foundation receives $1 million donation from Toyota
The money will support new eco-friendly and efficient buildings on the park’s Youth Campus.
University Buildings | Aug 16, 2016
New images of Rice University’s Moody Center for the Arts revealed by Michael Maltzan Architecture
The arts center will foster creativity for making and presenting works across all disciplines
Cultural Facilities | Aug 1, 2016
A retractable canopy at Hudson Yards will transform into a large performing and gallery space
The Shed could become the permanent home for New York’s Fashion Week event.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 30, 2016
Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects selected to design Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
With experience designing cultural and academic facilities, Williams and Tsien got the nod over other search finalists like Renzo Piano, SHoP, and Adjaye Associates.
Urban Planning | Jun 9, 2016
Triptyque Architecture designs air-cleansing hanging highway garden in São Paulo
The garden would filter as much as 20% of CO2 emissions while also providing a place for cultural events and community activities.
Education Facilities | Jun 1, 2016
Gensler reveals designs for 35-acre AltaSea Campus at the Port of Los Angeles
New and renovated facilities will help researchers, educators, and visitors better understand the ocean.
Cultural Facilities | May 23, 2016
A former burial ground in Brooklyn becomes a public space whose design honors vets
The site is one of six where TKF Foundation is studying the relationship between nature, the built environment, and healing.
Cultural Facilities | May 6, 2016
Pod-shaped cable cars would be a different kind of Chicago SkyLine
Marks Barfield Architects and Davis Brody Bond designed a "gondola" network that will connect the city's Riverfront to its Navy Pier.
