Artists turn oil tankers into architecture

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."