Recent advancements in Neom’s The Line have come to light, showcasing its ambitious urban design.
- The Line, stretching 170km through the desert, aims to be a “cognitive city” without roads or cars.
- Satellite imagery reveals detailed construction progress, including new tunnel entrances and archaeological finds.
- Controversies surround the project, with reports highlighting indigenous displacement and worker safety concerns.
- Mott MacDonald joins as city infrastructure engineer, enhancing the project’s urban planning efforts.
Neom’s The Line continues to capture attention with its 170km long and 200m wide linear development in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Province. Planned as a “cognitive city,” it envisions housing nine million residents within mirrored walls reaching 500m high. The city promises a sustainable future, operating as carbon net zero with public electrified transport.
Satellite imagery from Australian start-up Soar has enriched our understanding of The Line’s progress. Their latest analysis indicates significant construction activity, including nine new tunnel entrances appearing in its eastern mountainous section. The central area shows extensive modifications, with rock outcrops being fully removed between 2023 and 2024, providing a detailed glimpse into the project’s scale and ambition.
Despite its innovative design, The Line has faced scrutiny. Concerns extend beyond feasibility and cost to significant ethical considerations. Reports of indigenous displacement and poor working conditions for migrant labourers have sparked international criticism. An ITV documentary highlighted the deaths of 21,000 migrant workers in Saudi Arabia since 2016, although Saudi Arabian authorities dispute these figures as misinformation.
Archaeological discoveries have added another layer of intrigue to the project. Soar’s satellite images identified Neolithic sites at the eastern end of The Line. These areas, featuring various dwelling types and ritual sites, offer a fascinating insight into the region’s ancient history and have potential implications for the ongoing construction plans.
Mott MacDonald’s involvement as city infrastructure engineer marks a pivotal step forward. Collaborating with Delugan Meissl Associate Architects and Gensler, they aim to leverage advanced methodologies to meet The Line’s urban objectives. This partnership promises to bring a wealth of experience to ensure the efficiency and sustainability of the design, aligning with Neom’s visionary urban living aspirations.
The Line encapsulates bold ambition, sparking both marvel and debate as it progresses amidst challenges and discoveries.
