NEOM has appointed top global firms Delugan Meissl Associate Architects, Gensler, and Mott MacDonald to lead design and engineering for Phase 1 of Saudi Arabia’s revolutionary linear city, THE LINE.
This team of firms will create and design THE LINE’s sustainable, car free infrastructure to blend urban innovation with nature.
The LINE’S City Design and Engineer Partners
As Saudi Arabia’s visionary NEOM project continues to push the boundaries of urban innovation, a major milestone has been reached in the development of its centerpiece, THE LINE.
NEOM revealing the appointment of an elite consortium of global firms to spearhead the intricate planning, design, and engineering of THE LINE’s inaugural phase marks a significant leap forward in transforming the ambitious concept of a linear, car-free city into a tangible reality.
The carefully selected team of world-renowned partners includes Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA), Gensler, and Mott MacDonald.
Their collective expertise spans urban design, planning consultancy, and infrastructure development – critical components in bringing THE LINE’s unprecedented vision to life.
DMAA: Urban Design Masterplaner
Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA) has been entrusted with developing the urban design and detailed master plan for Phase One of THE LINE. This role places DMAA at the forefront of reimagining urban planning norms through the lens of a vertically organized city model.
Challenging Traditional Planning Conventions
DMAA’s approach to THE LINE’s urban design involves comprehensively rethinking how cities are structured and function. By leveraging vertical space, the firm aims to create a more efficient and sustainable urban environment that maximizes land use while minimizing ecological impact.
Microclimate and Ecological Considerations
DMAA’s work will be on optimizing the city’s microclimate and ecological systems. This involves carefully considering factors such as natural ventilation, sunlight exposure, and the integration of green spaces to create a comfortable and sustainable living environment throughout the vertical city structure.
Gensler: Ensuring Cohesive City Planning
Global design firm Gensler has been appointed as the city planning consultant for Phase One of THE LINE. Given the project’s unprecedented scale and complexity, Gensler’s role is essential in maintaining a cohesive and functional urban environment.
Coordinating Design Efforts
One of Gensler’s primary responsibilities will be to lead city design coordination efforts. This involves ensuring that the various components of THE LINE’s urban fabric work harmoniously, from residential areas and commercial spaces to public amenities and transportation hubs.
Developing Planning Policies and Frameworks
Gensler will be instrumental in creating comprehensive planning policies and frameworks that will guide the development of THE LINE. These policies will address crucial aspects such as land use, zoning regulations, and design guidelines to ensure consistency and adherence to the project’s vision.
Mott MacDonald: Engineering the City’s Infrastructure
Mott MacDonald joins the project as the city infrastructure engineer, tasked with managing and controlling both vertical and horizontal structures and city utility systems for Phase One of THE LINE.
Vertical and Horizontal Integration
One of the unique challenges Mott MacDonald faces is the seamless integration of vertical and horizontal infrastructure elements. This involves designing systems that can efficiently move people, goods, and resources both vertically within the city’s towering structures and horizontally along its linear expanse.
Sustainable Utility Systems
Mott MacDonald will focus on developing sustainable and efficient utility systems for THE LINE. This includes innovative solutions for energy distribution, water management, waste handling, and telecommunications that minimize resource consumption and environmental impact.
A key aspect of Mott MacDonald’s role is ensuring that the infrastructure designs are innovative but also practical, and constructible. This involves close collaboration with other teams to balance visionary ideas with technical feasibility and long-term operability.
The Vision Behind The LINE
THE LINE’s ambitious scale sets it apart from any historical urban development project. With a planned length of 170 kilometers, a width of 200 meters, and a height of 500 meters, the city will rank among the world’s tallest structures upon completion.
A City Without Cars
One of the most striking features of THE LINE is its commitment to a car-free environment. By eliminating the need for traditional road networks, the city aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly urban space that promotes walking, cycling, and the use of innovative public transportation systems.
This approach reduces carbon emissions and reclaims vast areas typically dedicated to roads and parking, allowing for more green spaces and community areas.
Accommodating Millions
Once fully realized, THE LINE is expected to house approximately 9 million residents, rivaling major global cities like London or New York’s five boroughs.
This population density, combined with the city’s unique linear and vertical design, presents challenges and opportunities in urban planning and management.
A New Paradigm in Urban Living
THE LINE aims to offer a new model of urban living that addresses many of the challenges traditional cities face. By eliminating cars, reducing commute times, and integrating nature into the urban fabric, the project seeks to enhance quality of life while minimizing environmental impact.
Renewable Energy Integration
THE LINE plans to rely heavily on renewable energy sources, particularly on solar and wind power. The city’s design will incorporate advanced energy generation and storage systems to ensure a stable and sustainable power supply.
Given the region’s arid climate, water conservation and management are crucial aspects of THE LINE’s sustainability strategy. The project will implement cutting-edge water recycling and desalination technologies to ensure efficient use of this precious resource.
Reshaping Sustainable Living
The appointment of world-class partners for the development of THE LINE’s Phase One marks a significant milestone in the realization of this ambitious project.
As DMAA, Gensler, and Mott MacDonald bring their expertise to bear on this revolutionary linear city’s planning, design, and engineering, the world watches with anticipation.
More Exciting Developments at NEOM
Hyatt’s Two Luxury Hotels
Hyatt has revealed its plans to open two luxury hotels in NEOM’s Magna region, located in Jaumur along the breathtaking shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, by 2027.
The two properties, Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina, are expected to offer 350 elegantly designed rooms and suites.
This development supports Vision 2030, highlights Hyatt’s focus on expansion and innovation, and underscores their emphasis on AI-powered customer experiences.
Zannier Zardun
Zannier Hotels has collborated with NEOM to create a luxurious Zannier Zardun eco-resort in NEOM’s Magna area along the beautiful Gulf of Aqaba.
The resort will feature 100 rooms and suites spread across three signature buildings, along with an observation deck offering incredible views over a restored semi-desert landscape.
Zannier Zardun aims to combine luxury with sustainability, providing genuine transformative experiences.
Capella at Elanan
Capella Hotels and Resorts has unveiled plans for its first beachfront hotel in Saudi Arabia, situated in Elanan within NEOM’s Magna region along the beautiful Gulf of Aqaba coast.
Capella at Elanan Hotel will feature 80 tailor-made rooms and suites, exceptional dining experiences curated by globally renowned chefs, and stunning vistas from an observation tower.
The resort is crafted as a holistic retreat, aiming to provide a unique wellness experience.
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Trojena
Marriott International has collaborated with NEOM to introduce The Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Trojena, a breathtaking mountainous region in the remote northwestern part of Saudi Arabia.
The resort will offer 60 luxury villas, ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, a luxurious spa, multiple pools, and various world class dining options.
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Trojena will provide a unique and intimate private retreat, making it Marriott’s seventh venture in NEOM.
Raffles Trojena
The renowned luxury brand of Accor, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, is preparing to make its debut in Trojena, a mountain destination in NEOM that is open all year round.
Scheduled to launch in 2027, Raffles Trojena will redefine hospitality in mountainous areas, granting guests unparalleled access to the region’s breathtaking beauty.
Positioned at an altitude of 2300m, the resort will boast a distinctive ring-shaped structure, with 105 guestrooms arranged along the perimeter to offer exceptional panoramic views of the mountains while ensuring privacy.
Raffles Trojena will feature the renowned Raffles Butler service and top-notch restaurants, adding to the grandeur of the vast mountainous region.
The Luxury Collection, Sindalah
NEOM’s premier destination, Sindalah, will be home to two luxurious hotels under The Luxury Collection brand. The first property will consist of 70 luxury rooms, suites, and private pool villas.
The second property will offer 115 luxurious suites in the heart of Sindalah’s retail and marina district. Set to debut in 2024, these hotels will provide various dining options and leisure activities for guests to enjoy.
The Autograph Collection
Sindalah, the first member of a group of islands undergoing development in NEOM, will be the site of the launch of The Autograph Collection in 2024. This luxurious establishment will feature 66 rooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas.
Guests can anticipate a range of dining options, a kids club, and a rejuvenating spa experience. Surrounded by a stunning and diverse marine landscape housing over 2,000 species, 600 unique to the Red Sea, Sindalah is set to become one of the most enchanting destinations in the Red Sea.
It will boast unparalleled amenities and distinct attractions, making it a true haven for visitors.
Four Seasons at NEOM Sindalah
The Four Seasons resort on Sindalah Island is preparing to become a sanctuary of luxury, providing 225 accommodations and suites overlooking the Red Sea.
The resort will showcase 52 villas, each with a personal plunge pool and scenic beachfront, while the Presidential and Royal Villas will boast exclusive amenities such as private swimming pools, fitness centers, and access to private yacht docks.
W Hotel Trojena
The W Hotel, situated in the diverse Trojena’s Lake Village, will have 236 guest rooms and 47 suites. These accommodations will provide captivating views of the nearby mountains and freshwater lake.
The hotel will also showcase the Marriott’s well-known areas and provide four distinctive dining options for guests.
JW Marriott Hotel
Located in The Bow, the Trojena JW Marriott Hotel will be a technologically advanced aquatic paradise that combines nature and modern advancement. The establishment will boast 500 lavish rooms and suites and a diverse range of activities and amenities for guests.
As the first W Hotel and JW Marriott in Trojena, Saudi Arabia, Marriott International is again revolutionizing the luxury hospitality world.
Anantara Resort Trojena
The Anantara Resort, developed by Minor Hotels, is currently being built in Trojena’s Water Village, part of the Valley Cluster and a promising district that will feature three projects centered around an artificial lake spanning 2.8 kilometers.
The resort will offer a range of rooms and suites with private pools and breathtaking views of the lake or mountains. It will also provide various dining options and amenities, such as the Anantara Spa, 270 rooms and pool villas, an infinity pool, and multiple sports activities.
25-Hours Trojena
TROJENA’s 25-hour team will provide a range of amenities, including an in-house cinema, a farm-to-table restaurant, a bike workshop with co-working space, and a rooftop restaurant with a pool, all inspired by the futuristic design of the building.
Keep Reading: Hyatt Announces Plans for Two New Luxury Hotels in NEOM’s Jaumur, Magna
