NEOM has announced that the neighborhood planning and design for the first phase of THE LINE will start in early 2025, marking a new stage in the development of this innovative linear city. To achieve its ambitious goals, NEOM has enlisted the help of world-leading partners, including Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA), Gensler, and Mott MacDonald, who will provide core city planning, design, and engineering expertise for the project. DMAA will lead the urban design and master planning for Phase One, focusing on a vertically organized city concept that is a departure from traditional planning methods. Their approach will integrate diverse expertise in areas such as microclimate, ecology, mobility, logistics, and sustainability, creating a cohesive vision that will guide neighborhood architects as they join the project in 2025.
Global design firm Gensler has been brought on board as the city planning consultant, responsible for overseeing city-wide design coordination, planning policies, land use, and compliance frameworks. They will also be designing essential city assets, such as transport hubs and public spaces, to meet the scale and complexity of THE LINE project. Mott MacDonald will serve as the city infrastructure engineer, focusing on the sustainability and functionality of THE LINE’s structural and utility systems. Their role is crucial in developing efficient infrastructure to support NEOM’s goals for a sustainable and highly operable urban landscape. Denis Hickey, Chief Development Officer for THE LINE, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in delivering Phase One, stating that collaboration is at the core of the project, showcasing how innovation can revolutionize the way cities are considered, designed, and built.
With construction progressing rapidly, NEOM is casting over 120 foundation piles into the ground each week, making THE LINE one of the largest piling operations globally. The design for THE LINE aims to create an eco-conscious city that is built without roads and cars, offering a combination of city living vibrancy with the tranquility of green spaces and seamless access to nature. The goal is to address global urban challenges in a harmonious balance with the environment. NEOM envisions THE LINE as a transformative project that will change the way cities are developed, with a focus on sustainability and functionality. The city will be a showcase of innovation and modern city planning practices.
NEOM’s vision for THE LINE is grounded in sustainability and efficiency, with a strong emphasis on creating a city that is at harmony with nature. The project envisions a city built without roads and cars, prioritizing green spaces and seamless access to nature. The innovative design approach incorporates diverse expertise in different areas such as microclimate, ecology, mobility, logistics, and sustainability to ensure a cohesive vision for the project. The partnerships with world-leading firms such as DMAA, Gensler, and Mott MacDonald will bring their expertise in city planning, design, and engineering to deliver Phase One of THE LINE. Collaboration is key to the project’s success, with a city-wide best practice group that will showcase how innovation can revolutionize city building forever.
As construction progresses rapidly on THE LINE, NEOM is laying the groundwork for a city that will set a new standard for urban development. The project’s eco-conscious design, combined with its focus on sustainability and functionality, seeks to address global urban challenges while maintaining a harmonious balance with the environment. With the support of partners like DMAA, Gensler, and Mott MacDonald, NEOM is on track to deliver a transformative project that will change the way cities are created. THE LINE is shaping up to be a model for future urban developments, showcasing the possibilities of innovative city planning and design in creating sustainable, efficient, and vibrant communities.
