12 Architecture Firms Join Megacity Project: The Line

Lately, one of the mega-giant projects of Saudi Arabia, The Line, came to the public's attention, in addition to its controversial and other social impacts. In The Line Exhibition, it is stated that twelve well-known architectural firms are joining this project. This project is planned to stretch for 170 kilometers with a height of 500 meters and a width of 200 meters across the desert of Saudi Arabia. It can accommodate nine million people, using renewable energy that is being developed throughout Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. 

The Line, Source by Neom

The twelve firms that will be involved in the design of this megacity are Adjaye Associates, Morphosis, Studio Fuksas and Coop Himmelb(l)au, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Tom Wiscombe Architecture, Oyler Wu Collaborative, HOK, Peter Cook's studio CHAP, Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, Studio Fuksas, UNStudio, and OMA.

However, as reported in Dezeen, OMA, and UNStudio said, they did not work on the project but participated in the design competition at the initial stage. At the same time, the HOK side declined to comment on this matter. This mirror megacity is planned as a new standard for life in urban areas that combines prosperity, livability, and environmental preservation, as well as proof that the world has the capacity of people, technology, and commitment to revolutionizing our way of life today.

The Line, Source by Neom

Nonetheless, the project has drawn much criticism for its environmental and human rights, including the eviction of local residents to make way for development.

In addition to human rights issues, many scientists and practitioners are skeptical of the design of this mega project; environmental issues, construction, natural balance, and urban control are discussed on several occasions, like Oldfield, who also shared concerns over the impact of structures on biodiversity. But the NEOM authorities shed light on it all. NEOM has a dedicated team to research "green construction materials" to ensure the products with the least carbon content are selected. The Line will ensure that nature is made easier when traversing urban structures and vice versa intact, witnessable, and enjoyed. This linear layout will solve many of the problems facing modern cities, such as car hegemony, air pollution, and urban sprawl.

The Line, Source by Neom