Critiquing The Line: Unraveling the Mathematical Debate Behind Saudi Arabia’s Unique Megaproject

An article published yesterday in Popular Mechanics titled, Saudi Arabia Is Building an Entire City in a Straight Line. It Makes Zero Sense, subtitled, Basic math says the city should actually be The Circle, not The Line written by Darren Orf makes an interesting mathematical argument but urban planning is so much more – closer to an expression of art with a small dose of mathematics.

I have written a response considering other factors.

While the argument presented in the Popular Mechanics article raises valid concerns about “The Line” city project’s straight-line design, it’s essential to provide a counterargument that considers the potential benefits and unique aspects of this innovative urban development:

1. Efficiency and Transportation: The straight-line design of “The Line” offers the advantage of efficiency in transportation. A high-speed rail system connecting the entire city can significantly reduce commuting times, making it more convenient for residents to move from one end of the city to the other. This can enhance overall productivity and accessibility, especially in a city as extensive as The Line.

2. Environmental Sustainability: The article acknowledges the project’s purported low environmental impact, which is a significant consideration in modern city planning. The concentration of buildings and infrastructure in a narrow, linear corridor can reduce the environmental footprint compared to a circular city design, where infrastructure might extend over a larger area, impacting more natural habitats.

3. Resource Optimization: The linear layout of The Line may allow for better resource optimization. Services such as waste management, utilities, and public transportation can be more efficiently organized in a linear city, potentially reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

4. Innovation and Technology: The Line’s driverless and car-less approach represents a forward-thinking commitment to cutting-edge technology. This approach aligns with the global trend toward sustainable and autonomous transportation solutions, which can reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

5. Unique Urban Planning: The Line’s unique design can be an attraction in itself. Just as the initial presentation resembled concept art for a sci-fi film, it can create a distinctive and futuristic identity for the city, drawing international attention and investment.

6. Mitigating Urban Sprawl: Circular cities can sometimes contribute to urban sprawl as they expand outward. In contrast, The Line’s linear design encourages efficient land use, potentially mitigating urban sprawl concerns.

7. Economic Opportunities: The compact design of The Line could create economic opportunities, with businesses and services located in close proximity to a significant portion of the population. This proximity can foster economic growth and stimulate local businesses.

In conclusion, while mathematical analysis points out potential commuting challenges in a linear city, it’s important to recognize that urban planning involves a multitude of factors. “The Line” represents a bold and innovative approach to city design that has the potential to offer unique benefits in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement. The ultimate success of the project will depend on how these advantages are leveraged to create a vibrant and sustainable urban environment.

In the spirit of the Olympics

New York City architecture in 2013:  The great and the not-so-great

In the spirit of the Olympics, here are our three favorite projects from 2013 — plus one that didn’t stick the landing.

A toast to 4 World Trade Center, Sunset Park’s new recycling center and Walker Tower, plus a hard look at Prospect Park’s new skating center.

This seems like a stretch to tie in architecture criticism to the Olympics, but it did get me to read the post by Matt Chaban of the Daily News.  He brings his critique to a pedestrian level in my opinion, which is probably why I don’t know him as an architecture critic – that’s just my opinion. Do you agree with Matt’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal projects? Do you have your own medals you would like to award?

Gold medal
4 World Trade Center

It may not be the biggest building on the 16-acre site, nor the boldest, but it is certainly the most beautiful — a quiet, dignified tower that honors its sacred home. Using simple geometries, Japanese master architect Fumihiko Maki put a notched parallelogram atop a trapezoid and covered the whole thing in a crystalline glass sheath. The result is a solemn sentinel watching over the site.

Silver medal
Sims recycling center

Annabelle Selldorf is best known for designing Fifth Ave. boutiques, Chelsea galleries and luxury apartments. And now a recycling plant in Sunset Park, Brooklyn (below). The firm used standard prefabricated beams and modules to create the hangar-like structure on the harbor. The surprisingly sleek industrial facility shows that simple components and a clever hand can achieve great results.

Bronze medal
Walker Tower

There’s a reason the wealthy and celebs like Cameron Diaz have been flocking to Walker Tower (right). Take a neglected art deco telephone exchange towering over Chelsea, gut it and turn it into a modern throwback. Period details and newfangled accessories are expensive, which explains why the penthouse is in contact for $50.9 million, a downtown record.

Dishonorable mention
Lakeside skating center

A good effort by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, but the new skating center in Prospect Park (right) is more of an unpolished diamond — nice rinks, but utterly lacking in necessities like changing rooms and benches for hockey. We can only hope the problems will be addressed.  By Matt Chaban

My Medal Picks are more simpatico with these projects