Saudi Arabia has a lot of “free” money, and its ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has grand ambitions and a desire to leave a significant mark on world history.
The current candidate for the role of such a heritage is The Line project, which involves the construction of a city wall for 9 million people, a couple of blocks wide, 500 meters high and 170 km long.
There are many doubts about the feasibility of such a structure, but the crown prince was seriously carried away by the project, calling it “my pyramids.” Steadfast, the matter has not yet moved further than renderings.
The concept of The Line architectural project involves the construction of two skyscrapers up to 500 meters high and 170 kilometers long, which a common internal space will connect.
The total width of the project will be only a few hundred meters. According to the plan of the author of the idea and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this building will become a home for 9 million people, will operate exclusively on renewable energy, and will receive the infrastructure of a modern metropolis.
The Line project embodies what urban communities will be like in the future, and demonstrates a zone free from roads, cars and harmful emissions. It will run on 100% renewable energy and will prioritize the health and well-being of people over transport and infrastructure as in traditional cities.
The problem of communications within such a controversial spatial organization of the city is not raised in the release. It is only emphasized that transport links will be convenient and electric.
All the necessary infrastructure will be built into the walled city, including public places, parks, walking areas, residential and business sectors, and a full-scale stadium.
The outer city will look like a wall of mirrors – in full height it will be covered on both sides with built-in solar panels. Thus, the architects and artists who drew the project believe that skyscrapers will look harmoniously against the background of the surrounding desert.
At the same time, it is planned to plant trees and other greenery on the roof, along the structures and in the nearest territory, so that “residents can enjoy the surrounding nature while walking.”
The timing of the project is still open. Given The Line’s potential scale, it could take decades to build. The initiative should be financed from the Mohammed ibn Salman Foundation, one of the most significant sovereign funds in the world. But so far, only the creation of a visual concept has been paid.