São Paulo – This Monday (25), Saudi Arabia announced The Line, an urban area within the city of Neom, a futuristic project that aims to use only renewable energy and be car-free. In a press release, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Neom announced the project, which aims to provide an innovative and nature-preserving urban living experience.
The region will prioritize an environment free of roads, cars, and polluting gas emissions, fully running on renewable energy, and preserving 95% of the land. Pictured above, Al-Lawz Mountain, the tallest in Neom.
The Line will consist of an area 200 meters wide, 170 kilometers long, and 500 meters above sea level. The space is designed to accommodate 9 million residents on a 34 square kilometer footprint, which is unprecedented compared to other cities of similar capacity.
The urban design will build vertically layered communities. The idea is to layer urban functions and services such as public parks, pedestrian areas, schools, housing, and workplaces. According to the statement, the model follows a concept known as Zero Gravity Urbanism. One of the goals is for inhabitants to be within a five-minute walk of services and facilities.
The Line’s construction will have an outer mirror facade and air conditioning technology. With this, residents will be able to access the entire project throughout the seasons. The project will also feature a high-speed rail with end-to-end transit in 20 minutes.
Neom is one of the projects by Vision 2030, an initiative devised by the government of Saudi Arabia to plan the country’s future. The city will also feature other regions, such as Oxagon, dedicated to reimagined manufacturing and innovation; and Trojena, which will be a global mountain tourism destination with the first outdoor skiing in the Gulf region; and the launch of two city subsidiaries: Enowa, an energy, water, and hydrogen company; and Neom Tech & Digital Company.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
