The Hub Science Complexity demonstrates why the Line should not serve as a model for cities of tomorrow. While some view it as a perfect example of an eco-friendly urban area, others dismiss it as a mere publicity stunt. Construction of the project began in October, with excavation work for the superlative construction.
According to Rafael Prieto-Curiel, an expert in urban studies at the Complexity Science Hub, this project represents the realization of the ideal of creating a city from the ground up and completely reimagining it. The city is set to be constructed from scratch in the desert, featuring two massive, continuous lines of tall buildings with residential areas interspersed between them. Stretching over a distance of 170 kilometers, it will have a width of 200 meters and an impressive height of 500 meters, surpassing the tallest structures in Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The city will extend in a straight line from the Red Sea towards the east.
Ten Times More Dense Than Manhattan
It is remarkable how many people can be attracted to a medium-sized country where Prieto-Curiel stands out. Currently estimated to be the densest urban neighborhoods on Earth, Manila’s inner districts are more than four times denser than Manhattan, translating into a population density of 265,000 people per square kilometer. It is expected that nine million people will live there, surpassing any other city in Saudi Arabia.
One Hour for a Journey
Mobility terms give rise to additional questions. According to Prieto-Curiel, the city’s least efficient shape is a straight line. He underscores the point that there is a rationale behind the existence of 50,000 cities in the world, all of which are circular in some way.
Individuals will rely on public transportation, thus impeding active mobility. Merely 1.2% of the populace resides in close proximity to one another, taking into account a one-kilometer walking distance. In the case of Johannesburg, which is 50 times more expansive in size, two individuals selected at random are separated by a mere 33 kilometers. On average, if we were to randomly select two individuals in The Line, they would be approximately 57 kilometers apart.
With less than a 50-minute commute for 25 million individuals in Seoul, unlike in other major cities, individuals would still have to travel for longer periods. As a result, the benefits are restricted due to the need for additional transfers, even with the inclusion of express lines. At least 47% of the population would experience an even lengthier commute, with an average trip expected to take 60 minutes, as stated by the researchers. Trains spend a significant amount of time at stations and are unable to achieve high travel speeds between any two stations. “In order for everyone to have a station within walking distance, there must be a minimum of 86 stations,” explains CSH researcher Dániel Kondor. The foundation of the public transportation system is planned to be a high-speed rail network.
A City Extends Beyond a Neighborhood
Kondor explains, “Therefore, it is crucial to take into account transportation that spans throughout the entire city. What distinguishes a city from smaller communities is not solely its size but also the additional opportunities beyond the immediate vicinity, such as concerts or an extensive job search. Cities encompass more than just a cluster of semi-isolated neighborhoods that are located adjacent to one another within a 15-minute radius. However, is it possible to avoid these journeys within the city due to the fact that high population density allows for all necessities (jobs, shopping, amenities, etc.) To be conveniently accessible locally? Research indicates that individuals desire to limit the amount of time spent commuting, hence making efficient transportation a pivotal factor in the prosperity of cities.”
Why Choose Not to Watch “The Circle”?
If you take Line The, it would make Circle The with a radius of 3.3 kilometers. The distance between any two people would only be 2.9 kilometers, which would be within walking distance for 24% of the population. Most mobility could be active, such as cycling, walking, or other similar activities, allowing for good connectivity and lower densities, thus avoiding the need for supertall buildings. The high-speed rail system would be unnecessary in this case.
Is There Anything Optimistic?
At a smaller level, there is a requirement for increased public involvement in urban planning; as a result, planned cities frequently failed to meet expectations while cities historically grew in more natural manners. “This initiative encourages conversations about urban structures, and that holds great significance as cities, particularly in Africa, continue to expand,” Prieto-Curiel emphasizes.
Sustainability is highlighted in various aspects of the project. Within a five-minute walking distance, automobiles will be absent. This not only saves a significant amount of space in terms of infrastructure and parking, but also decreases the number of cars. All energy will be generated without emitting any carbon. Nevertheless, the construction of the skyscrapers, which demands a substantial amount of material and energy, is not considered here. Furthermore.
Prieto-Curiel highlights that it is crucial to comprehend the consequences, particularly if Line The is regarded as a showcase for modern urban and building planning technologies. In addition, it should be noted that choosing this unique approach, such as creating engaging social media videos or utilizing it for branding purposes, may involve other important considerations. Overall, it can be said that this decision may play a significant role.