Saudi Arabia’s Neom opens an exciting exhibition in Venice 

Architects and academics discuss the design behind The Line.

Saudi Arabia’s Neom isn’t just attracting attention in the Middle East. Now, the megaproject is opening an exhibition in Venice. Zero Gravity Urbanism – Principles for a New Livability showcases the work behind the design of The Line, and it runs from 20 May to 24 September at Abbazia di San Gregorio.

Zero Gravity Urbanism – Principles for a New Livability aims to address environmental and social challenges between nature, conservation, liveability and human progress. The exhibition brings together leading architectural firms, which include Adjaye, DMAA, Fuksas, Morphosis, Oyler Wu, Sir Peter Cook and UNStudio. The venue will also host special events including educational programs and round tables with architects, academics and urban thinkers.

Upon completion, The Line will accommodate up to nine million people, and will have a land footprint of two per cent of cities with a similar population. Plus, the site will be fully powered by renewable energy and supported with sustainable water as well as food production.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, explained, “The work undertaken by Neom in the last few years will not only be important in the context of The Line will, but will also in a proactive and meaningful way, help to engage in the ongoing development of sustainable urban design globally.”

Antoni Vives, Chief Urban Planning Officer of NEOM, added, “68% of the world’s population is expected to be living in urban areas by 2050. The current global urban model driven by the automobile is failing and must be revisited considering its impact on the environment and on people’s wellbeing.”

Neom is scheduled to open to tourists in 2024. Upon completion, it will be the size of Belgium and sits north of the Red Sea coastline. The exciting developments also range from the world’s largest floating industrial complex to Sindalah Island’s beaches. The $1.5 billion Neom Railway development will connect The Line with Oxagon.

We’re hooked. 

GO: Visit www.neom.com for more information.