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Zero Gravity Urbanism: NEOM’s Groundbreaking Development | |
| Radhika Laghate |
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NEOM, the leading Saudi mega developer, has revealed the groundbreaking concept of zero-gravity urbanism as the foundation for its upcoming innovative development, The Line. This visionary approach aims to tackle global environmental and social challenges by finding a harmonious balance between nature conservation, livability, and sustainable human progress. NEOM has collaborated with renowned architects from around the world to bring this concept to life.
To showcase the principles of Zero Gravity Urbanism and its potential for a new way of living, NEOM has organised a landmark exhibition called "Zero Gravity Urbanism: Principles for a New Livability" at the historic Abbazia di San Gregorio in Venice. The exhibition, running from May 20 to September 24, will feature proposals from leading architects such as Morphosis, Sir Peter Cook, UNStudio, and Adjaye, among others. The event aims to ignite an urban revolution by fostering discussions among top architects, academics, and urban thinkers through educational programmes and round tables.
The proposed model of zero-gravity urbanism presents a radical and progressive vision for cities, addressing pressing issues like urban sprawl and climate change. The Line, an integral part of this concept, envisions a city capable of accommodating up to 9 million residents while utilising only 2% of the land footprint of cities with a similar population. This approach allows for the thriving of nature, with 95% of NEOM's vast land area protected.
The Line also sets an example as a city fully powered by renewable energy with sustainable water and food production. It embraces a 3-dimensional organisation of private and public spaces, ensuring universal access to amenities and an immediate connection to nature for all residents. Car-free and designed as hyper-mixed-use walkable communities, The Line guarantees 5-minute accessibility to daily needs.
NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al Nasr emphasised the significance of NEOM's work in the context of The Line and its contribution to sustainable urban design on a global scale. Chief Urban Planning Officer Antoni Vives highlighted the urgency to revisit the current urban model driven by automobiles, as the world's urban population is projected to reach 68% by 2050.
NEOM's unveiling of Zero Gravity Urbanism and its embodiment in The Line marks a pivotal moment in urban development. By prioritising the delicate balance between nature, livability, and human progress, this visionary concept offers a sustainable and inclusive model for the cities of the future.