NEOM, Is It the Truly Future City We Need?

Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has rapidly developed in various aspects, including construction, economy, society, and environment. The country has done and proposed several magnificent construction projects, including the NEOM mega city project. The announcement of this mega city project, which includes The Line, a 170km living space, has provoked various responses from people around the world. The responses are diverse from business enthusiasts, investors, architects, environmental activists, and civilians. Some people see this project as an exciting investment opportunity, but others see it as an infeasible project to be realized.

The LINE as part of the NEOM Project, Images taken from www.neom.com 

For architects, this mega project offers a chance to create a sustainable and better living space. Meanwhile, for environmental and climate activists, this project is just another irresponsible project that will emit millions of tons of carbon emissions. Besides all of these assumptions, perhaps we don’t know enough about what NEOM is all about. 

NEOM is a mega-city project designed to create a more livable and sustainable city while also as a global business hub. The project consists of five regions with each having its characteristics and purposes. The first region is Sindalah. Sindalah is an island destination that will be an exclusive gateway from the outside world. It is filled with magnificent structures that offer numerous supporting facilities to enjoy the beautiful Red Sea. 

Sindalah as part of the NEOM Project, Images taken from www.neom.com 

Second region is Oxagon. It is an octagonal land with an advanced and clean industrial ecosystem to create a new future while also becoming a global business hub. It is also supported by 100% renewable energy to provide a perfect place for inventing a better future.

Oxagon as part of the NEOM Project, Images taken from www.neom.com 

Next is Trojena. Trojena is located on the rocky terrain of a mountain region that will be an iconic, world-class destination with a 36 km ski slope that blends with the natural landscapes. Not to forget to mention, The LINE is a 170 km city that spans from the epic mountains of NEOM across the desert valleys to the beautiful Red Sea. This mega project is a massive and long city that offers a more sustainable living space with zero emissions. It will be built 200 meters wide and 500 meters tall, with a mirrored skin that adds to its uniqueness. 

Trojena as part of the NEOM Project, Images taken from www.neom.com 

Lastly, the Gulf of Aqaba is a region dedicated to contemporary international luxury and sustainable tourism. It features luxury hotels and residences that consist of nine unique communities; Elanan, Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, and Xaynor. Each community presents impressive architectural work, such as Epicon's two futuristic hotel towers that are nestled on desert land. 

The Epicon Hotel, Images taken from www.neom.com 

The Adventure Hotel in Leyja, Images taken from www.neom.com 

The Oasis Hotel in Leyja, Images taken from www.neom.com 

The Wellness Hotel in Leyja, Images taken from www.neom.com 

Even though the NEOM project proposes a sustainable future city with remarkable structures, it may produce millions of tons of carbon emissions during its construction. From the LINE alone, how many tons of carbon emissions were emitted in the construction phase? and will it be built in a truly sustainable way as NEOM has promised? However, NEOM ensures that they have a research team to ensure that the construction is as sustainable as possible. 

Overall, the NEOM project is a testament to how Saudi Arabia is massively developing its country to achieve its 2030 vision that provides a promising future for all. It also demonstrates how architecture and technology will be developed from time to time to create a better space for humans to live. 

Will NEOM be a truly sustainable living city for everyone or will it just be another luxurious place for the rich?

Source:

www.neom.com/en-us