The Line: Saudi Arabia's controversial 170-km vertical city
The Line is a massive linear city under construction in Tabuk province, Saudi Arabia, stretching 170 km along the Red Sea coast. Promoted as a sustainable, accessible urban utopia with lush vegetation and all modern comforts, the project has sparked debate over its resemblance to dystopian architectural visions. Critics note its similarity to Superstudio's radical architectural photomontages from the 1960s, which served as warnings against unchecked progress and geometric rigidity. The article questions whether this futuristic alternative is necessary or if it approaches a dystopia, citing the unease evoked by its proclaimed perfection and lack of flaws. The project is described as a 'vertical city' that combines elements of Captain Nemo's Nautilus and a gigantic Bosco Verticale.
Key facts
- The Line is a 170-km-long linear city under construction in Tabuk province, Saudi Arabia.
- It is located on the Red Sea coast in a desert area.
- The project is promoted as sustainable, accessible, and functional.
- Critics compare it to Superstudio's radical architectural photomontages from the 1960s.
- The article questions whether The Line is a utopia or a dystopia.
- The project is described as a 'vertical city' with lush vegetation.
- The article references Johnny Cash's song 'I Walk the Line' as a metaphor.
- The Line is expected to house 8 million inhabitants.
Entities
Artists
- Johnny Cash
- Manlio Brusatin
Institutions
- Superstudio
- Artribune
Locations
- Tabuk province
- Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea