NEOM reveals futuristic Saudi city vision at Venice Expo

NEOM, the prominent mega-developer in Saudi Arabia, has recently unveiled the intricate details behind its ambitious project called Zero Gravity Urbanism. This groundbreaking concept serves as the foundation for the design of NEOM’s upcoming development, The Line, which is being created in collaboration with the global architecture community.

The core objective of Zero Gravity Urbanism is to tackle global environmental and social challenges by achieving a harmonious equilibrium between nature conservation, livability, and sustainable human progress. NEOM aims to redefine the traditional approach to city development and provide a sustainable model that addresses pressing issues such as urban sprawl and climate change.

To showcase this revolutionary concept, NEOM has organized a landmark exhibition titled “Zero Gravity Urbanism – Principles for a New Livability” at the historic Abbazia di San Gregorio in Venice. The exhibition, scheduled to run from May 20 to September 24, features the proposals and contributions of world-renowned architects, including esteemed names like Morphosis, Sir Peter Cook, UNStudio, Fuksas, Oyler Wu, DMAA, and Adjaye.

Over the course of four months, the event will host a variety of activities, including educational programs and round table discussions involving top architects, academics, and urban thinkers from around the globe. These initiatives aim to foster an exchange of ideas and insights on sustainable urban design, furthering NEOM’s vision of creating a transformative urban environment.

Zero Gravity Urbanism presents a radical and forward-thinking approach to city planning, with a strong emphasis on balancing nature, livability, and human progress. Unlike conventional city developments, NEOM’s model offers a sustainable solution that responds to the most urgent environmental and urban challenges, while catering to the needs of a rapidly growing urban population.

The Line, a key component of NEOM’s plans, is designed to accommodate up to 9 million residents with a land footprint of only 2% compared to cities of similar population sizes. This approach allows ample space for nature to thrive, ensuring the protection of 95% of NEOM’s expansive 26,500 sq km land area.

Furthermore, The Line sets a new standard for environmentally conscious cities by being fully powered by renewable energy sources and incorporating sustainable practices for water and food production. The city prioritizes universal and equitable access to amenities and services, guaranteeing that all residents have direct views and immediate access to natural surroundings.

With a car-free infrastructure and a unique 3-dimensional organization of private and public spaces, The Line promotes hyper mixed-use walkable communities, enabling residents to reach their daily needs within a 5-minute radius.

NEOM’s ambitious undertaking aligns with the projected urbanization trends, as it is estimated that approximately 68% of the world’s population will reside in urban areas by 2050. The company recognizes the limitations of the current urban model, primarily driven by automobile dependency, and emphasizes the need to reconsider its impact on the environment and people’s well-being.

Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO of NEOM, highlights the significance of their work not only in shaping The Line but also in actively contributing to the global development of sustainable urban design. The collaboration with renowned designers and research institutions has resulted in a substantial body of work that redefines the urban realm as a space for human interaction and cultural exchange.