ISOMETRIC OF STRUCTURE STRUCTURAL SCHEME FLOOR PLAN DOUBLE BED ROOM FLOOR SINGLE DOUBLE BED ROOM
THE LINE - NEOM SAUDI ARABIA . 2022 STUDIO FUKSAS ROLE: COMPUTATIONAL DESIGNER STATUS: SELECTED AS WINNER Neom development in northwestern Saudi Arabia, The Line is planned as a 170-kilometre-long mega city that will house nine million people. From a conservation standpoint, This ensures that nature can flourish, safeguarding 95% of NEOM’s vast land area. Moreover, THE LINE sets an example as a city fully powered by renewable energy sources, with sustainable water and food production systems in place. From a human perspective, THE LINE’s innovative three-dimensional layout of private and public spaces ensures universal and equitable access to amenities and services. Additionally, every resident will enjoy direct views and immediate proximity to nature. Key characteristics 55,251 Residential Units 4,024,634 sqm Coral Surface 600,000 sqm Sky Plazas 350,000 sqm Vertical Garden Module height: 500 m Module width: 200 m Length: 2.4 km Number of floors: 122 Sqm/Person: 64.02 Population: 206,881
The architectural vision is set on the principles and takes inspiration from the coral reefs. The structural components are therefore linked to the functions that the vertical city will contain, and are subdivided into the following main components: -The Live rocks -The Cores -The Waves -The Coral -The light Clouds -The Facade All of the above is then wrapped by a facade system that provides shelter on both sides of the modules. The live rocks are translated into the vertical cores and the main residential units. The Waves are providing the main mobility axes functions, and also provide support to the facade system. The Corals and the light clouds are instead providing support to the daily and the special functions. Concept
ROCKS MOBILITY CLOUDS FACADE CORES CORAL The Coral leverages on prefabricated monocoque steel to create unique geometry. Additional elements might be able to be hung from the coral Those spaces are envisaged as lightweight enclosures providing support from the other typologies of structures. The Cores are the main components providing overall stability to the circulation system, both vertical and horizontal. The facade will transfer the horizontal wind loads directly onto the cores through its supports. The waves act as an outrigger to make all cores act together as a single stiff system. The residential stacks are constructed relaying on a primary stability core, and the units are prefabricated timber and steel frames modules.
PRE LANDSCAPE DESIGN UPPER VALLEY DESIGN DEVELOPMENT The proposed landscape between 300 and 500 metres above sea level has the following characteristics: - Horizontal and linear spaces: The open spaces are wide rocky boulevards connecting the indoor covered public facilities and the sunny open spaces. - Ascending and descending topography: There are points where the landscape descends and rises to connect the different levels and accommodate public uses and infrastructures. - Vegetation Groupings: The plant species are grouped to form clumps that provide a surplus in the southern area. - Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems: At this level are the wastewater management systems generated in the upper levels. We can find biodigesters and wetlands integrated into the landscape.
NATURAL LIGHTING Cluster 1 THE ROCKS Frame & Modules Free from outer shell Adaptable interior structure Main span truss Base deck Cores Cores Main Deck Facade Base deck Secondary span truss Main span truss Frame space truss Stiffening Ribs Stress Skin Core THE CLOUDS Ribbed skin option scale < 50m Ribbed skin option scale > 50m THE ROCKS Opt1 Opt1 Opt2 Opt2 less than 2 min travel time from metro to media hub less than 4 min travel time from shopping mall 2 min from metro to media hub 5 min from metro to shopping mall Cluster 2 NATURAL LIGHTING STRUCTURAL STRATEGIES To understand the level of natural daylight reaching the residential spaces we reviewed a section from different perspective to understand the levels. The scale of lux levels indicated was used to analyze the results. Natural daylight reduces in central areas where the direct sunlight is reduced by the cooler zone or one with direct sunlight. There are certain areas where no daylight reach due to proximity of the massing. These regions have to be analyzed together with the materiality of surrounding to understand if daylight transmit through the buildings. In order to organize micro-mobility movements and last-mile internal traffic, a strategy is proposed for the allocation and distribution of sharing stations. Primary micro-mobility sharing stations will be located at: High and elevated streets Primary and secondary hubs In proximity of residential clusters, minor sharing stations and bike racks will be provided: A micro-mobility sharing station is to be located at 100m from a cluster main entrance This would limit micro-mobility traffic around residential areas and promote last-mile walkability
Following the completion of the preliminary design phase, I assumed the additional responsibility of ensuring the model’s 3D printability and optimizing it for fabrication. In response to the client’s request, I successfully crafted a 1:500 scale model (1 meter in height) for one of the modules and a 1:200 scale model for a selected zone, meticulously incorporating the client’s specifications. Studio Fuksas’ designs for The Line were on display during the Venice Architecture Biennale, where they received acclaim for their groundbreaking and innovative approach. This platform provided a notable opportunity to showcase the project’s intricate details and design nuances, contributing to its recognition and significance within the global architectural community. PHYSICAL MODEL
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