Based on a video that was just recently made public, the construction of the ambitious megacity project known as 'The Line' in Saudi Arabia is now making progress. Upon completion, this city-sized structure that spans 170 kilometers could offer housing for millions of people.
(Photo : ArchDaily/NEOM )
Progress on Saudi Arabia's 'The Line'
The Line is an enormous replicated structure projected to accommodate a city of approximately 9 million people, or a population comparable to that of New York City. A new video shows the world's most extensive earthworks reaching across the desert into the distance. Digging machines and truck lines are busily creating the essential foundations for the building, which are well along at this point.
Every week, millions of cubic meters of earth and water are moved; the scale is astounding, and work is ongoing around the clock to accomplish this. Although the initial stage of The Line is anticipated to be concluded in 2030, there will undoubtedly be a substantial amount of unfinished business after that.
Moreover, as Saudi Arabia attempts to transition from an oil-based economy to a predominately tourism-oriented economy, several other projects are also in progress. While 'The Line' stands out as the most prominent component of the forthcoming Neom giga-project, it is not the only one; a cuboid skyscraper with a capacity equivalent to twenty Empire State Buildings, two spectacular buildings, and a cliff-hanging arena are among them.
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Eliminating Carbon-Intensive Infrastructures
In 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced that 'The Line' is a reinvented metropolitan development that would connect the coast of the Red Sea to the highlands and upper valleys of northwest Saudi Arabia. The compact construction, which measures 200 meters in width, represents an experiment in both social and economic theory. By eliminating carbon-intensive infrastructures such as automobiles and roadways, the municipality strives to achieve carbon neutrality. In addition, all industrial activities within the city will be powered exclusively by renewable energy sources.
Accordingly, the fundamental elements for residential, retail, and recreational zones have been strategically planned to enable residents to conveniently reach all required facilities on foot through the five-minute city initiative. Thus, a high-speed rail will be installed along the entire length of the megastructure to ensure that the journey may be completed in less than 20 minutes.
'The Line' was conceived as a striking alternative to conventional cities, which generally radiate outward from a central point, and it was planned to be a part of the Neom development. It will reportedly comprise two structures resembling walls and will be joined by an open space in the middle.
On the other hand, a pair of structures, standing at a height of 500 meters, will rank as the twelfth tallest and most extended buildings globally. Each function will be piled in a configuration that the city's architects call Zero Gravity Urbanism. Parks are depicted in the visuals as being situated between the two linear blocks, which will be linked by several bridges and topped with additional green sections.
The structure will be adorned with mirrored facades in their entirety, which will contribute to its distinctive visual appeal. According to the Saudi Arabian government, 'The Line' will have an exterior mirror facade that will give it its distinctive personality and make it possible for even its small footprint to blend in with nature. Also, the interior will be designed to produce unique experiences and magical moments.
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