NEOM’s Vision for THE LINE: Redefining Sustainable Urban Living in the 21st Century
The world watches with anticipation as NEOM, the ambitious sustainable region rising in northwest Saudi Arabia, embarks on a new chapter in its groundbreaking journey. NEOM’s latest announcement marks a significant milestone in its development of THE LINE, a linear smart city conceptualized to merge human innovation with environmental stewardship. Designed as a city without cars, roads, or conventional urban sprawl, THE LINE is a radical response to the world’s urgent urbanization challenges, underscoring NEOM’s commitment to reimagining the future of urban living.
To deliver this visionary project, NEOM has enlisted an elite group of global partners to execute the core city planning, design, and engineering for Phase One. These world-class collaborators include Delugan Meissle Associate Architects (DMAA), Gensler, and Mott MacDonald, each bringing unparalleled expertise to NEOM’s pioneering city. With the support of these esteemed partners, NEOM is charting a path that could redefine sustainable urban design on a scale never before attempted.
Breaking the Mold: A City Without Roads or Cars
THE LINE’s radical urban design defines traditional city planning conventions. Spanning 170 kilometers in a linear layout, it rethinks urban space by eliminating the need for roads and cars entirely. Instead, the city will integrate vertically layered communities, connected by advanced public transportation and vibrant, walkable spaces. In an era where congested roadways and air pollution plague major cities worldwide, THE LINE’s design presents an alluring alternative – one where city life and nature can harmonize without compromising on efficiency or modern convenience.
At the helm of THE LINE’s concept and masterplan for Phase One is Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA). Known for their progressive and experimental approach to architecture, DMAA has been tasked with leading the conceptual and detailed masterplan, shaping a city that prioritizes vertical integration, green spaces, and seamless community connections. “As development and construction of THE LINE progress, we have established a unique partnership that brings world-leading city design and engineering expertise to deliver Phase One”, remarked Denis Hickey, Chief Development Officer of THE LINE. “This collaboration will showcase how innovation can change the way we consider, design, and build cities forever”.
By stacking urban functions vertically, DMAA’s vision for THE LINE challenges convention approaches to space management and urban flow. Their work will address vital factors such as microclimate control, ecological balance, and sustainable mobility systems, ensuring that THE LINE’s environmental impact aligns with NEOM’s strict sustainability goals. The result will be a city where residents enjoy a high quality of life within a minimal environmental footprint, seamlessly blending advanced technology with natural surroundings.
Gensler’s Role: Planning and Coordination at an Unprecedented Scale
Given THE LINE’s scale and ambition, city planning consultancy is paramount to its success. Global design Gensler joins the project as the lead city planning consultant, responsible for coordinating THE LINE’s city design and overseeing compliance across planning policies, land use, and design frameworks. Their involvement ensures that the city’s structural and functional aspects align with NEOM’s overarching vision of sustainability and livability.
As city asset design architect, Gensler is also entrusted with designing critical infrastructure, such as transport hubs and public spaces. These elements are vital to THE LINE’s blueprint, supporting efficient urban mobility and fostering community engagement. By balancing innovation with urban governance, Gensler’s contributions will provide a foundation for a city that is as functional as it is futuristic.
Engineering the Backbone of THE LINE with Mott MacDonald
As THE LINE’s designated city infrastructure engineer, Mott MacDonald brings a wealth of experience in a large-scale engineering projects. Tasked with managing vertical and horizontal structures and utility systems, Mott MacDonald’s role focuses on ensuring the city’s infrastructure meets high standards of efficiency and sustainability. Their engineering expertise will be essential in realizing THE LINE’s ambitious infrastructure, enabling it to operate seamlessly while minimizing resource consumption.
With more than 120 foundation piles cast into the ground each week, the city is set to become one of the largest piling operations ever executed. This foundational work underscores the scale of the project and the meticulous planning involved, as NEOM pioneers new approaches to urban development.
A Vision of Sustainable Urban Living
At its core, THE LINE is a bold response to the urgent challenges posed by rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change. NEOM envisions a self-sustaining city that coexists harmoniously with the natural environment, emphasizing ecological preservation and resource efficiency. This vision extends to every facet of THE LINE’s design, from energy-efficient utilities to sustainable materials and renewable energy sources.
By removing cars and roads from its layout, THE LINE prioritizes pedestrian-friendly spaces and green corridors. Residents will have access to nature within walking distance, encouraging a lifestyle rooted in wellness and environmental consciousness. In doing so, NEOM seeks to redefine the traditional boundaries of urban living, creating a city that fosters both innovation and sustainability.
A Testament to Global Collaboration and Shared Ambitions
THE LINE’s development is a testament to the power of collaboration. NEOM has drawn on the expertise of global leaders in architecture, planning, and engineering, creating a best-practice model for urban innovation. Together, NEOM, DMAA, Gensler, and Mott MacDonald are crafting a city that challenges the status quo, using advanced methodologies and technologies to set a new standard for urban development.
In early 2025, NEOM will commence the design of THE LINE’s neighborhoods, adding another layer of refinement to the city’s masterplan. Neighborhood architects will bring their creative insights to shape communities that reflect NEOM’s commitment to excellence and sustainability. Under DMAA’s guidance, this phase will maintain THE LINE’s guidance, this phase will maintain THE LINE’s core design principles while allowing for diverse expressions of cultural and architectural identity.
A Future Icon of Urban Transformation
As THE LINE moves closer to becoming a reality, NEOM’s vision for a sustainable and harmonious urban future captures global attention. This linear city is more than an architectural marvel; it is a model of sustainable urbanism that reimagines how cities can function in the face of growing environmental and societal demands. By creating a city that thrives without roads, pollution, or urban sprawl, NEOM offers a vision of the future that prioritizes health, sustainability, and social connectivity.
In a world facing unprecedented urban challenges, THE LINE serves as a beacon of possibility. Through thoughtful design, technological advancement, and global partnership, NEOM is poised to lead a paradigm shift in urban living. THE LINE promises not only a sustainable city but a redefinition of what cities can be, demonstrating that the pursuit of progress and the preservation of nature can go hand in hand.
As NEOM and its world-leading partners continue to build THE LINE, this visionary project stands as a testament to the power of ambition, innovation, and collaboration in shaping a future that harmonizes with the planet. With each phase, NEOM’s sustainable city moves closer to transforming the concept of urban living, making it a project of global significance and a source of inspirations to come.