A quartet of Dutch architects have put forward a conceptual scheme for turning an oil tanker into a mixed-use development in the southern Gulf region.
The "Black Gold" proposal envisages cutting a section out of the tanker and installing a museum and exhibition area in its interior. The aim of the cultural space would be to deal with the economic and cultural history of the Arabian oil states, and offer a contrast to the towers being built in the region.
The idea has been suggested by Chris Collaris, Ruben Esser, Sander Bakker and Patrick van der Gronde.
They argue that a tanker’s double hulls would act as a climatic buffer and allow the installation of a "village area". The renovated deck would accommodate a glass bottom swimming pool and a scenic night route for pedestrians would be installed on deck’s piping.
The designers are now hoping to find a sponsor for the scheme.
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