Urban Rigger
In September 2016, the architecture firm BIG, led by Bjarke Ingels, revealed their designs for low-cost student accommodation.
Urban Rigger involves stacking shipping containers on a floating platform to create a student halls of residence, docked in the harbour of Copenhagen, Denmark.
As a concept, Urban Rigger aims to provide a solution to the 24,000 students who are without residences in Denmark according to the Danish Construction and Housing Ministry. This is only one part of a wider problem, with estimates showing a need for 130,000 more homes by 2020 due to increased urbanisation and population.
Urban Rigger comprises 9 shopping containers which create 15 studio residences over two levels. The idea is that the structure is flexible, mobile and carbon neutral.
The blocks are angled with overlapping ends so as to frame a shared garden in the centre of the platform. The containers are connected by glazed, greenhouse-like spaces. The corrugated metal blocks are painted a bright aquamarine and fitted with windows and entry points.
Each of the upper floor container’s flat roofs have a different function; one provides a terrace, the other has been installed with solar panels, and the other is covered in grass.
BIG partner Kai-Uwe Bergmann said: "In terms of sea level rise... it's the only building type that will never flood. There are few strategies that allow cities to expand. Yet, Copenhagen's harbour remains an under-utilised and underdeveloped area at the heart of the city. By introducing a building typology optimised for harbour cities we can introduce a housing solution that will keep students at the heart of the city."
Images courtesy of Urban Rigger.
For more information, see [[w/index.php?title=W/index.php%3Ftitle%3DW/index.php%3Ftitle%3DW/index.php%3Ftitle%3DW/index.php%3Ftitle%3DW/index.php%3Ftitle%3DWww.urbanrigger.com%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1&action=edit&redlink=1|Urban Rigger]].
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.