Data Island: Redesign Of An Oil Platform Into A Data Center Located On The Eastern Coast Of Italy In The Adriatic Sea | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

Data Island, situated off the eastern coast of Italy in the Adriatic Sea, is a fixed platform designed to take advantage of ideal conditions for wind turbines. Its offshore location ensures steady wind patterns, making it much more efficient for generating wind energy than onshore sites. This strategic position also benefits from nearby underwater internet cables, improving connectivity and data transfer capabilities. By harnessing these resources, Data Island seeks to establish a sustainable and technologically advanced center that not only supports the local economy but also strengthens global digital infrastructure, highlighting Italy’s dedication to cutting-edge energy solutions.

Design Process

The transformation of an oil platform into a data center focuses on harnessing renewable energy, primarily offshore wind, for its superior efficiency over onshore alternatives. During the design process, 47 potential functions were considered.

The data center was chosen for its autonomy and low environmental impact. Economic viability was evaluated by factoring in renewable energy production, energy consumption of the data center, and potential profitability.

Final Outcome

The project is grounded in careful analysis and provides a practical solution to the growing challenge of decommissioned oil rigs. The traditional function of the oil well is replaced by a data center, utilizing the concept of immersive (submerged) server cooling.

This approach significantly reduces the need for extensive infrastructure, making the economic strategy of the design more efficient. The innovation highlights the distinctive architectural identity of oil rigs, emphasizing the dense network of structures and equipment that define their unique character.

From an architectural standpoint, the design retains the strong, recognizable identity of oil platforms, featuring an exoskeleton structure with prefabricated blocks for greater flexibility. The use of steel columns and aluminum components ensures easy installation, excellent thermal insulation, and allows for future adaptability of the facility.

Conclusion: Overall, this project offers an innovative solution to repurposing decommissioned oil rigs by transforming them into sustainable, energy-efficient data centers.  It preserves the rigs’ architectural identity while advancing both renewable energy and digital infrastructure.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]