What do you do when an architectural brief throws you completely out of your comfort zone? 
Redesigning an abandoned oil platform isn’t like designing a typical campus or museum—it’s a highly technical, industrial machine where every single square meter must serve a purpose.
Today on the blog, we’re sharing a fascinating, deeply pragmatic case study from the Architecture Competitions Yearbook about the Iron Island competition. The author walks us through their intense concept phase, explaining how they analyzed 47 different functions before choosing the ultimate, autonomous solution: a state-of-the-art data center. From consulting with aerodynamics experts on vertical wind turbines to utilizing futuristic immersion cooling technology, this project is a masterclass in how to combine extreme engineering with thoughtful architectural expression. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by an unfamiliar typology, this step-by-step breakdown will show you exactly how to find your footing.
2.1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Iron Island competition was one of those challenges that sound highly inspiring, but upon closer examination, you find yourself in a situation where it’s not easy to orient yourself and start drawing. Usually, in my work, I rely on intuition, forming concepts in my mind during the analysis phase, which I then further develop and refine. However, when it came to designing the new function of an oil platform, all the information gathered during the university seemed pointless. It was an entirely new typology, a completely different context, and above all, a very technical matter connected to a multitude of technologies. To even begin creating, I had to invest a significant amount of time in analysis. Initially, I studied how oil rigs operate, how the basic infrastructure works, and the reasons behind the gradual decommissioning of these machines. All of this was new information that required a lot of energy to comprehend.
At a certain point, however, I felt a sense of relief because things started to make sense, and I began to perceive connections within the areas I was exploring. This was the time when I would typically have a concept ready during the semester. Now, I was just at the beginning. The key for me was to effectively allocate my time and focus my work. Therefore, I tried to translate all my analyses into their final form right from the start. This approach helped me organize my thoughts and avoid the shock at the end when you have finished visualizations but the analyses are still just browser tabs.
Since it was a competition, I tried to learn as much as possible about the jury and their potential design preferences. I saw that the organizers were directly affected by this issue since they work in the steel construction business. Therefore, I genuinely tried to consider their problem and aimed to find not only utopian solutions but rather pragmatic possibilities. I also kept in mind that this project was simultaneously my diploma thesis. At our faculty, it’s understood that if you want to impress the “jury,” the project must be thought thoroughly out and well-developed. Nice visualizations aren’t what interests the construction professor, and a detailed section might not impress professors focused on composition and aesthetics. I had to process the project in a way that everyone could find something of value in it, which meant a lot of work and the need for efficient time management.
The key aspect of the concept development was finding the function. I defined a few main points that helped me as evaluation criteria for the effectiveness of the tested functions. In a broader selection, I considered 47 functions usable for the new platform’s purpose. From these, I chose 12 that I tested and compared in more detail based on the aforementioned criteria. This process led me to choose the final function. Previous analyses of technologies and possibilities proved to be very useful at this point. They helped me understand the importance of minimizing infrastructure, maintenance, and energy inefficiency. For example, in the initial analyses, I tested the efficiency of various wind turbine shapes, which I also consulted with an aerodynamics expert. This allowed me to compare the potential of the tested sustainable energy sources. I also explored the possibilities of converting an oil well into a geothermal one, or the concept of a concentric solar power plant with floating gyroscopic mirrors near the platform. I went deep into understanding the costs of operating server farms, which I consulted with a data center operator. This provided me with first-hand information about consumption and economic viability. This also led me to immersion cooling technology, and I was quite surprised that it’s not yet more common.
While actually drawing my platform, I realized it was important to have a detailed digital model developed. It took the most time, but in the end, it proved to be very beneficial. The level of detail was such that I had to reduce the number of servers in the tanks because my rendering software refused to load so many gigabytes. The great thing was that I could export views, sections, axonometries, visualizations, and diagrams from a single model. For maximum efficiency, I defined the exact formats of outputs for the poster and placeholders in the booklet right at the beginning. This allowed me to know exactly which view or diagram I would need, and I could focus my attention mainly on the most exposed segments of the design. For university, I prepared the work in the form of a book, which I also printed and put together at the end of the semester. Since it was my last school project, I wanted to create it as a piece for my library that I could return to one day and remind myself of my school days.
The production of the physical model was also fun, during which I broke a 3D printer. The nozzle got clogged, and when I tried to solder a torn wire, I ended up shorting the printer, and we had to order new components to the office. The most challenging part was finding a material that would resemble Lexan and corrugated metal at my scale. Eventually, I found a paper binder with a great translucent ribbed structure. I made the metal by spraying it. So, I had both ribbed Lexan and metal, which was one of the main design intentions in the composition of the facade. The model is a combination of wood, 3D printing, and plexiglass.
I thoroughly enjoyed this project and learned a lot from it. You can read more about the specific solution in the following text.
2.1.1 BEGINNING
At the outset, I began gathering information through all available resources. I watched many videos and searched for relevant articles related to oil platforms. The most helpful were videos showcasing the working conditions on these platforms, as they allowed me to understand the mechanisms and processes used in offshore oil extraction. Exploring the living quarters where workers reside also provided valuable insights. An oil platform is essentially one large machine, with every square meter serving a specific function. The varied typologies of platforms and their massive scales helped me better grasp the specific platform we were tasked with redesigning for a new function.
From the very first concepts, selecting the right energy source proved to be a primary factor in the design. The book FORMGIVING provided a summary of various energy generation methods, which greatly influenced my choice. I immediately ruled out unsustainable energy sources and began testing other concepts within the parameters of the given location. I calculated solar gains, wind speeds, and the potential for wave energy. Wave energy initially appeared promising, but further research revealed that current technologies are inefficient, prone to high failure rates, and expensive to maintain. Wind energy, on the other hand, emerged as a more viable option, with offshore turbines being almost three times more efficient than their onshore counterparts due to the high wind speeds and potential for large-scale use. Interestingly, vertical-axis turbines perform better in cities, benefiting from their mutual interaction, but on the open sea, horizontal-axis turbines are more effective.
2.1.2 FUNCTION
As I mentioned earlier, I worked with 47 functions, having already filtered down from over 100 potential options. Although there were many fun ideas, not all would have been beneficial. I organized the functions into categories to streamline the process.
One of the key aspects was creating evaluation criteria. These were based on all the analyses conducted so far and highlighted the most important areas of the design. With these criteria in place, I was able to filter the functions effectively, ensuring that the one that best met these requirements would also be the best solution based on the available information. A data center emerged as the top choice because it can operate autonomously, pushing it into the top tier of solutions. Additionally, the fact that it produces a product without requiring infrastructure that could harm coral reefs was another significant advantage.
2.1.3 ECONOMY
While architecture isn’t primarily focused on economics, understanding motivations and possibilities from this perspective is crucial for any concept to have value. I knew I had to ensure profitability, which meant I needed solid data to support the design. The first piece of information I required was the maximum renewable energy output that could be generated at the site. After consultations with experts and creative testing of various power plant concepts, I arrived at a realistic figure, giving me a clear sense of the site’s potential.
The second key factor was understanding how much energy a data center consumes. I needed a thorough understanding of the energy demands of such a facility, after which I optimized the capacity. Immersion cooling technology proved to be critical at this point, as it aligns perfectly with the concept of a structure on water and is twice as efficient as traditional cooling methods. Initially, I was skeptical, as I hadn’t seen this cooling system used frequently. However, NVIDIA’s recent presentation on future server farms utilizing immersion cooling as the optimal solution encouraged me greatly. Through this research, I obtained a second realistic figure—how many servers the turbine could actually support.
The third crucial factor was determining the sale price of the data center’s services. A data center manager provided valuable insight into the center’s actual potential profit margins. With all these parameters in place, it was easier to calculate whether the concept would work. The numbers were surprisingly favorable, even to the point of disbelief, so I reworked the concept several times to check for errors. Although initial estimates were reduced by about 30%, the results were still highly optimistic. One challenge, however, is that even with these positive projections, it’s generally more efficient for such operations to be on land. This concept, however, could be appealing to platform owners whose businesses are dwindling and who already own the offshore structures.
2.1.4 ARCHITECTURE
As an architect, I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer scale and the harsh conditions in which oil platforms operate. These massive structures command respect, offering no pretense. The dense network of equipment and construction creates a unique, iconic form that floats on the ocean. This fascination with the identity of these structures led me to enhance their reality rather than obscure it. Instead of hiding or diminishing their impact, I chose to intensify it.
Finding inspiration was not as straightforward as with typical buildings, where Pinterest can provide a wealth of ideas. I turned instead to the architecture of ships, studying both water-based buildings designed by architects and ships drawn by architects. A ship shares many similarities with a building, and many renowned architects have designed ships, offering insight into how they approached such projects. Interestingly, the design of ships often reflects contemporary architectural trends. The exposed equipment and structure beautifully reflect the style of structural expressionism or high-tech architecture. I drew much inspiration from architects like Rogers and Foster, who have worked extensively in this field.
2.1.5 LAYOUT
Once I had the function, idea, and overall logic in place, I began translating the design into various masses and forms. Some proved to be dead ends, while others I developed in more detail until I hit a point where further progress was impossible. Ultimately, the best solution from an operational standpoint was a simple rectangle, mainly due to the spatial demands of the server farm. This simplified the process in some ways, but also required more attention to detail. Making a rectangular block visually interesting involves much more work than creating an inherently striking shape.
I played around with the facade and its divisions, using layered elements. In the residential section, I opted for square windows, echoing the function of the living spaces, while the data center side featured strip windows, more reminiscent of industrial buildings. Despite these differences, everything remained part of one cohesive block.
Inside, I experimented with colors and inserted cubes, aiming to create a technical interior with a modern, home-like feel. In the living quarters, I developed flexible clusters that can be adjusted according to the users’ needs, adaptable to different setups. However, the ultimate vision remains maximum autonomy of the facility, which is not unrealistic with the advent of artificial intelligence. Therefore, I designed the building with the possibility of future functional changes, allowing the living section to be converted into additional data center space. In such a case, the entire building could function as a server farm, with drones providing security from the deck. I explored this more futuristic idea further in a seminar work, which was included in my diploma thesis submission.
2.1.6 MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
The building is designed as an exoskeleton into which separate blocks are inserted, which can be easily prefabricated and do not interfere with the existing structure of the rig. The skeleton is made of steel I-shaped columns with dimensions of 20×20 cm, and the skeleton beams have the same cross-section. The structure is braced with cable elements in all directions. The inserted box is made of a lightweight, load-bearing aluminum structure based on the Manni Green Tech principle. The advantage of this construction is its easy installation and excellent thermal insulation properties.
The openings are filled with triple-glazed windows with combined frame types, featuring plastic-aluminum finishes. A translucent membrane made of recycled polycarbonate, which functions as shading.
2.1.7 TIPS
In this section, I’ll list a few specific tips that helped me a lot with the design process and overall time management. I hope they will be helpful for those looking to participate in competitions in the future.
- Study the work of the jury and think about what might catch their attention.
- As early as possible, have a clear idea of the final submission formats and prepare a basic template.
- Try to work with exports from a single model. This streamlines the graphics and simplifies export speed. Views, sections, visualizations, diagrams, etc.
- Process analyses directly into final graphics. This layer adds significant value to the project.
- Aim to finish the project ideally a week before submission. This way, small mistakes are almost entirely eliminated.
- Use your free time and relaxation for research. For example, watch movies on the topic or read books related to it.
- Always keep the presentation template open on your taskbar, and update it even with drafts. This keeps the logic of the reading flow consistent. You jump less from topic to topic, and it’s easier to explain more complex ideas.
- Regularly consult your work with non-experts. The best work is one that even those unfamiliar with the subject can understand from your explanation.
- Build your own opinion. The concept you choose should not only be what your supervisors suggest but the one you believe is the best. The project becomes more authentic, and you can connect with it better.
- Don’t take it too seriously. Have fun during the process and enjoy the journey. This allows you to add subtle humor to the project, which can create positive emotions for the jury. It can shift the atmosphere in your favor.
2.1.8 CONCLUSION
What initially seemed like a very challenging project turned out to be an enjoyable and educational experience. It taught me how to navigate unfamiliar topics effectively. It showed me that in architectural design, the key is to understand the assignment. Everything else starts to fall into place during the process, opening up unique solutions and connections between seemingly unrelated elements.
Every project requires a different balance of functionality and aesthetics. Finding the right balance is both an art and the most magical thing an architect brings to a project. There isn’t one correct way to decide the ratio of these attributes. The best approach is to get into the right mindset and truly love your final project, which I managed to achieve with this work.
The hardest parts, like orientation and analysis at the beginning of the project, added a whole new layer of understanding to my work and turned out to be the most valuable. You just have to get through it and not give up. Don’t settle for insufficient understanding, and avoid shortcuts leading to unrealistic solutions. It’s similar to math, which may seem incomprehensible at first, but once you grasp the process, everything starts to make sense. In the end, I enjoyed the work and had fun with the process. It was definitely an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend others to try competing as well.
Author: Tomáš Rausz
Want to master the art of complex architectural workflows? 
This incredible oil rig transformation is a standout feature inside the Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2024. The ACY is a carefully curated resource packed with 10 deep-dive case studies, step-by-step winner methodologies, and expert advice. Keep this guidebook in your physical or digital library to help you break down complex briefs, refine your project boards, and build a bulletproof design process.
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