“The Line” is a proposed urban development in Saudi Arabia, envisioned to extend over 170 km while being 200 meters wide and 500 meters tall, populated by skyscrapers. The anticipated population density for this project is slated to be tenfold that of Manhattan. However, specialists from the Complexity Science Hub claim that the linear layout of the city inherently limits active mobility and will necessitate a high-speed rail system, resulting in longer travel times compared to other metropolitan areas.
Initiated in October, ground-breaking activities for this monumental construction endeavor have commenced. While some herald it as a paragon of eco-friendly city planning, others question its validity, considering it to be mere publicity. Scientists at the Complexity Science Hub have recently delineated the shortcomings that make “The Line” an unsuitable blueprint for future cities.
Rafael Prieto-Curiel, an urban researcher at the Complexity Science Hub, states that “The Line” represents an ambitious venture to build a city from the ground up in the desert. The planned city consists of two contiguous rows of skyscrapers, separated by living spaces. With dimensions of 170 km in length, 200 meters in width, and a height exceeding 500 meters, the city will span from the Red Sea eastward.
Table of Contents
Density Exceeding that of Manhattan
An estimated nine million individuals are expected to reside in this city, a number higher than any other city in Saudi Arabia. This equates to a population density of 265,000 individuals per square kilometer—ten times greater than Manhattan and quadruple the density of Manila’s central districts, which are currently considered the most densely populated urban areas globally. Prieto-Curiel raises concerns about attracting such a massive population to a country of moderate size.
Concerns Over Mobility
“A city in a linear shape is the least efficient,” Prieto-Curiel notes, arguing that there is a reason why the 50,000 existing cities are more or less round. If two people within “The Line” were selected at random, they would be an average distance of 57 km apart. In a city like Johannesburg, which is 50 times larger in terms of area, this distance reduces to 33 km. Active mobility is restricted because only 1.2% of the population will be within a kilometer’s walking distance of each other, necessitating dependency on public transport.
The proposed transportation backbone is a high-speed rail system, requiring at least 86 stations for everyone to be within walking distance, according to Dániel Kondor, a researcher at the Complexity Science Hub. Consequently, trains will spend significant time at stations, restricting high-speed transit between any two stations. Research suggests that the average trip time will be around 60 minutes, with nearly half the population experiencing even longer commutes. Despite adding express lines, the advantages are minimal due to required transfers, making travel durations longer than those in large cities like Seoul.
The City as an Ecosystem
Efficient transportation is crucial for the vitality of a city, as research indicates that individuals prefer to minimize their commuting time. Dániel Kondor highlights that cities offer more than just a series of 15-minute neighborhoods. The distinctiveness of a city comes from opportunities that exist beyond one’s immediate vicinity, such as cultural events or extended job markets.
An Alternative Design: “The Circle”
If “The Line” were to be reimagined as “The Circle” with a radius of 3.3 km, the average distance between any two individuals would be only 2.9 km. This would allow for 24% of the population to be within walking distance, negating the need for a high-speed rail system. The circular design would also facilitate effective mobility even with lower population densities, eliminating the necessity for exceptionally tall buildings.
Positive Aspects
Despite its challenges, the project has spurred important discussions about urban planning, especially as cities continue to grow, particularly in Africa. While “The Line” emphasizes sustainability by limiting car usage and committing to zero carbon emissions, it does not consider the considerable material and energy required for construction.
“Though other considerations, such as branding and social media engagement, might have influenced the selection of this unique form, comprehending its repercussions is critical, especially if ‘The Line’ is to serve as a model for advanced construction and urban planning techniques,” Prieto-Curiel emphasizes.
Reference: “Arguments for building The Circle and not The Line in Saudi Arabia” by Rafael Prieto-Curiel and Dániel Kondor, 19 June 2023, npj Urban Sustainability. DOI: 10.1038/s42949-023-00115-y
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Saudi Arabia’s The Line Urban Planning
What is “The Line” project in Saudi Arabia?
“The Line” is a proposed city in
