Zero Gravity Urbanism—Principles for a New Livability

NEOM unveils details of work behind Zero Gravity Urbanism, the concept underpinning the design of THE LINE, developed in collaboration with the global architecture community.

Zero Gravity Urbanism seeks to address global environmental and social challenges by striking a balance between nature conservation, livability, and sustainable human progress.

The Venice exhibition, curated by Ramon Prat, will be open to the public between May 20 and September 24, 2023.

The historic Abbazia di San Gregorio in Venice will be home to a landmark exhibition entitled, Zero Gravity Urbanism—Principles for a New Livability. The exhibition features the proposals of world-leading architects sharing their work on THE LINE and their contribution to this urban revolution. Contributors include Morphosis, Sir Peter Cook, UNStudio, Fuksas, Oyler Wu, DMAA, and Adjaye Associates, among others.

Zero Gravity Urbanism proposes a radical and progressive approach to cities with a sharper view towards balancing nature, livability, and human progress. In contrast to city development of the last century, it provides a sustainable model that responds to the world’s most pressing environmental and urban challenges, while addressing the need to accommodate a fast-growing urban population. The proposed model tackles urban sprawl, and climate change.

From a conservation perspective, THE LINE proposes a city that can accommodate up to nine million inhabitants with a land footprint of two percent of that of cities with a similar population. This allows nature to thrive and contributes to protecting 95 percent of NEOM’s 26,500 square kilometer land area. THE LINE is also a model for a city that is fully powered by renewable energy and is supported with sustainable water and food production.

From a human perspective, THE LINE, with its three-dimensional organization of private and public space, provides universal and equitable access to amenities and services. It will also ensure all residents have direct views and immediate access to nature. The city is car-free and is composed of hyper mixed-use walkable communities providing five-minute access to daily needs.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said, “The work undertaken by NEOM in the last few years will not only be important in the context of THE LINE, but will also in a pro-active and meaningful way, help to engage in the ongoing development of sustainable urban design globally.”

Antoni Vives, Chief Urban Planning Officer of NEOM, said, “68 percent of the world’s population is expected to be living in urban areas by 2050. The current global urban model driven by the automobile is failing and must be revisited considering its impact on the environment and on people’s wellbeing.”

Tarek Qaddumi, Executive Director of Urban Planning of NEOM, said, “Working on THE LINE with some of the most recognized designers and research institutions has resulted in a significant body of work that re-establishes our urban realm as a space for human and cultural exchange.”

Visit the exhibition
The exhibition runs from May 20–September 24, 2023 at Abbazia di San Gregorio and will host speaking events, educational programs and round tables, featuring leading architects, academics, and urban thinkers from around the world.

Visit the website for further information and to register for complimentary tickets to attend, here.

Media enquiries: veniceneom@four.agency