The Documentary Podcast In the Studio: The Line
Mar 24, 2025
Explore the ambitious vision of 'The Line,' a revolutionary city in Saudi Arabia that aims to redefine urban living. Architects discuss its unprecedented height and density, catering to nine million residents. Delve into the project's environmental goals and the challenges of integrating nature with urban spaces. Uncover the harsh realities for local communities facing evictions and human rights concerns amidst this futuristic endeavor. The tale of Abdul Rahim Al-Huwaiti serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical dilemmas in modern architecture.
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Tarek's Journey to The Line
- Tarek Kadumi, architect of The Line, recounts his journey from graduating University of Michigan to working on the NEOM project.
- He emphasizes the responsibility he felt towards both the kingdom's ambition and architectural tradition.
Rethinking the City
- The Line aims to address urban sprawl and car dependency by creating a walkable, linear city connected by public transport.
- This design prioritizes nature, offering residents easy access to green spaces, unlike traditional cities.
Hollywood's Influence
- The Line's initial visuals were designed by Hollywood set designers who worked on dystopian films like Snowpiercer and Interstellar.
- This raises questions about the project's potential utopian versus dystopian nature.