The Future Cities Are On The Horizon
The Line, the largest part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project, looks like a total fantasy
Will these be the cities of the approved populaces?
Article from Archinect:
https://tinyurl.com/236pub7dThe Line, the largest part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project, looks like a total fantasy
Image courtesy of NEOM
According to the Saudi government, The Line will “embody how urban communities will be in the future in an environment free from roads, cars, and emissions.” It is designed to run 100% on renewables and prioritize individual health and well-being while helping the state preserve some 95% of NEOM’s total existing land. The development will be confined to a 34-square-kilometer (13.1-square-mile) footprint to reduce infrastructure encroachment into nature.
Image courtesy of NEOM
The Line comes complete with a high-speed rail system capable of transporting riders from end to end in the development within 20 minutes. The rest of the habitation’s layout will be based on the principles of a concept called "Zero Gravity Urbanism," which allows for a three-directional movement of people via a stacked program. By enacting a vertical arrangement of its critical infrastructure, the Saudis say, The Line allows for all daily needs to be accessed in under 5 minutes.
Image courtesy of NEOM
Image courtesy of NEOM
The only thing missing from the renderings are flying taxis and a certain orange-haired heroine. The renderings feature a gigantic mirrored facade that, though the government says is meant reflective of the surrounding landscape, in reality, creates an imposing and unnatural presence made even worse by its 500-meter height.
A press release mentioned the need to “significantly advance construction technologies” in order for it to even be attempted. Its listed dimensions mean the structure would stand as the world’s 12th tallest building (not to mention the longest) if and when it is successfully completed. Along those lines, certain social media users were quick to question the plan's ultimate feasibility.
Image courtesy of NEOM
Image courtesy of NEOM
“NEOM is leading a team of the brightest minds in architecture, engineering, and construction to make the idea of building upwards a reality.” the Prince said of the project’s unique challenges. “At The Line's launch last year, we committed to a civilizational revolution that puts humans first based on a radical change in urban planning. The designs revealed today for the city's vertically layered communities will challenge the traditional flat, horizontal cities and create a model for nature preservation and enhanced human livability."
Topic: The Future Cities Are On The Horizon (Read 1240 times)