Bosses of Saudi Arabia’s The Line address worries for $1,000,000,000,000 city surrounded by glass in 102F heat
Topics: Saudi Arabia, The Line, Technology
Ellie Kemp
Featured Image Credit: Neom
Topics: Saudi Arabia, The Line, Technology
Bosses behind Saudi Arabia's The Line have addressed environmental concerns as part of a major update on the $1 trillion megaproject.
A first-of-its-kind, fully pedestrianized city is currently under construction as part of the country's 'Vision 2030' project, which is estimated to cost as much as $1 trillion.
Fronted by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the project, located on the coast of Saudi's Tabuk region, will run entirely on renewable energy and will measure up to 170km long and 200m wide.
It has been described as 'a blueprint that is diversifying the economy, empowering citizens, creating a vibrant environment for both local and international investors, and establishing Saudi Arabia as a global leader'.
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There will be neither a car nor road in sight, as Neom Chief Development Officer - and former Australian cricketer - Denis Hickey said last week people will be able to get around The Line 'faster and more efficiently than in any city today,' while the average commute within the city will be '20 minutes or less.'
Another stand-out feature of the pioneering new city is its glass exterior - something that's sparked practicality concerns for those who'll soon be living in The Line.
Especially when you consider that the Tabuk region sees highs of 102F (39C) in its peak summer months, July and August.
Well, Hickey confidently addressed any environmental concerns as part of a major update via the company's YouTube channel.
When asked whether The Line's glass outing would trap heat, he explained: "The glass is coated and it'll have a mirror facade, so it reflects [sunlight]... A lot of the heat will be pushed away through that."
On The Line's 'microclimate', he added that they must ensure its ecology system 'survives and flourishes.'
"The glass is breathable so it opens and you get air through the city. We will pump air through the primary deck and we'll be able to draw air from outside and get air movement - but it's not air conditioned, so we're not looking to put refrigerated through the common areas."
He went on to reassure the glass 'won't act as a magnifying [glass] or a heat driver,' adding: "We've tested that, we've had the world's best people, we've built mockups."
He resolved that the Neom board are under great scrutiny and are making huge 'irreversible' decisions, so are also taking the utmost care.
The 2.5km 'central segment' of The Line is due to be complete by 2030, while the full project won't be polished off until 2045.
The mammoth project is forecast to use up 20 percent of the world's steel supply.