A list of architecture firms involved in the design of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project has come to light along with a preview exhibition on view now in Riyadh at the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for Contemporary Art that features proposals from unspecified designers.
Peter Cook, Adjaye Associates, OMA, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Studio Fuksas, Oyler Wu Collaborative, Morphosis Architects, Tom Wiscombe Architecture, HOK, Delugan Meissl Architects, UNStudio, and Coop Himmelb(l)au are the entities included in the exhibition, according to a report published recently in the Architects' Journal.
The scope of each firm’s involvement remains unclear as the proposals were not credited to anyone specifically. The Architects’ Journal was also unable to obtain either confirmation or quotes from any of the firms named in the exhibition, making it a guessing game that nevertheless reflects on the $500 billion project’s murkiness and the reluctance of global design heavyweights to attach themselves publicly to the state’s controversial leadership.
A January 15 reporting from Arab News shows large-scale models, renderings, and other installations included in the immersive exhibition, which is on view until April 29 in the Saudi capital. Additionally, new construction videos have been added via an update that was uploaded on January 16th to the NEOM website.
The naming of each of the firms represents a milestone for now, however, as the only other names attached to the project thus far have been Zaha Hadid Architects for the luxury ski resort development called Trojena, and Italian studio LUCA DINI, who will purportedly design a significant portion of the manmade logistics hub island called Oxagon. AECOM is also involved as the project’s Backbone Engineering Consultant (or BEC).
The project is continuing to progress at a rapid pace with its targeted 2030 completion date. Archinect will share updates as they come. More information about The Line Experience exhibition can be found here.
24 Comments
It will be understood when the Real Property is sold out in all the phases. God bless the work of Saudi Arabia.
god is an illusion unlike this monstrosity of project. Hopefully it goes away when the next shiny stupid idea rolls by.
What does “god is an illusion” mean. A bit crazy to think that we can even begin to understand the totality of this all. To believe one way or another is the exact same thing.
It means literally that it is an illusion you simpleton. Enjoy your childish fantasies if you want but that’s all they are. Now go arrange rocks in a poolside garden. Thinking isn’t your strong suit.
The universe and beyond that multiverse and the dimensions that we can’t even comprehend…but you got it figured out…there is as much proof for atheism as for any religion…so it’s sort of the same thing…a strong belief in what’s unknown
The space time continuum proves God's ability to move silt and soil in accord with an early account called Genesis. Are you intending to reference a Space Balls meme? I couldn't believe I needed to sue a dingo out here yonder the river.
Idiots, both of you.
Inappropriate comment.
Between Asia and Africa, it is a small city footprint.
It is a top-down development scheme.
"Here is your city, we thought of everything for you."
That in itself should tell it is doomed. When the subsidies are cut off the whole development eventually would dry out in the desert heat.
Why are these architects jumping into this mix of illusions? It can't be utopian either without an ounce of community engagement in its inception and construction. Cost per sq. ft. alone would be a sign of who is it for if any.
I am really tired of architects doing this stuff for the buzz of publicity.
A buzz of recent yesteryears. Elite problem-solving with the elite social classes for a future world only for them.
"Why are these architects jumping into this mix of illusions?" For extremely fat paydays, and that's all. Even at the risk of becoming the laughing stock for the rest of the architectural community.
The density organizer is a part of global executive plans. The Saudi Arabian economic plan introduces CEER to a global market. The Line isn't stupid.
Imo embarrassingly dull, boring, and unimaginative.
Should've mentioned the film production and game designers who are accorded design roles in this project too - after all, the architects are acting as stylists as well. So why not fashion, game, film and other designers too?
They are here to lend an idea of form and skin, while the AEC multinational giants like AECOM and Hyundai are doing the grunt work of turning these styles into drawings and construction.
The division of labor in megaprojects around the ME region tend to limit the celebrity architect's role to a formal stylist whose concept is purchased by the client and becomes the basis for construction giants to bid on.
Perfectly on brand for all of these firms.
Too tired to read the article, but whats transpired is that Morphosis did the "masterplan" of the Line, while the other idiots were given a piece of the building each to design. And yes, everyone got paid handsomely.
Pretty amazing how market forces convert Pritzker winning firms into bullshit artists.
Maybe it says more about modern architectural culture than the meglomania of an autocrat. These images are pure bulls*&%.
It is. It’s the globalist agenda “translated into space
What was the rationalization for the 'line' diagram, anyways? anyone know? It think it would feel like a very dystopic, uncomfortable urban experience to inhabit
Maybe MBS liked the idea - it does have the vibes of a gaming sandbox. Plus, long linear cities do have a long history in utopian/dystopian architectural fantasies circa the '60s.
Yes the idiot prince wanted to make something "like the pyramids"
disappointed to read the list of supposed starchitects lined up at the trough to get their helping of blood money. I guess there are no longer any ethics in architecture, sigh
It if kind of like an extruded Vegas strip - without all of the gambling and strippers with some morality police wandering around…so it’s going to be a perfect place to film jackass 5.
...and jackass 6 will be their "trial" and execution.
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