Caused by global climate change, water levels are rising faster than predicted. The Netherlands has several future scenarios with managing the rising water; adapting to a new sea level, blocking the water by building dykes, or a combination of the two. Oil rigs in the North Sea – with structures high above sea level – already provide a solution to deal with a higher water level. However, the structures will become vacant now that the energy transition is happening rapidly. Research done at multiple rigs has shown that the underwater structures have artificial reefs growing on them. These reefs are proven to be valid and sometimes better habitats for many species of fish and mollusks. Therefore, more arguments occur to keep the structure and repurpose the building on top. This thesis proposes a research center to be the new function of the oil rig. The chosen location provides an excellent opportunity for marine biologists to conduct research on the artificial reef and the state of the ocean. To transform the structure on top of the rig, it will be dismantled and retrofitted on land after which it will be reinstalled.

Specifically, research has been done, in ways of literary review and interviews, to understand design principles and theories that ensure the well-being of the platform’s residents. This resulted in routing to promote social interactions, materials to boost physiological well-being, and spaces that hold the desires of the residents. Using the research the structure of the platform was redesigned to provide opportunities for research while considering the wellbeing of residents during longer stays at the remote location.

Student: Wesley Massij
Tutors: Jacob Voorthuis, Maarten Willems, Ady Steketee