CELINE CHEUNG

Location: California

Team: Kevin Poon, Angel Li, Jessica Sung

Type: competition

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An abandoned oil rig revitalised into a nature interpretation centre. As a submission for the inNatur 8 competition, the scheme uses the original structure of the rig to turn the structure into a centre for marine research, education and exhibition.

 

The Californian Carpinteria oil eld was one of the most active petroleum extraction sites, with some rigs proved, some unproved and some abandoned. As the Environmental Movement grows in the United States, the conservation of such ill-reputed structures becomes more controversial. This project aims to de-stigmatise this and prove that nature can be blended with the manmade.

 

Using an abandoned rig’s original structure along with floatation devices inspired by plate corals, this becomes an interactive, sustainable nature interpretation centre for marine environments.

 

The original lower decks are revitalised into green viewing platforms, with a landscaped lake garden on the entrance floor. The existing indoor spaces are redesigned into offices, classrooms, and other facilities, while top-floor accommodation provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding water. The infinite ocean, decorated by vibrant corals, becomes the exhibition space. Sealed oxygen-regulated glass elevators take visitors down along the legs of the rig structure, which allows them to fully submerge into the ‘object’ on show.