I keep wondering why this city is designed in a long straight line. The only reason seems to be to give people a view of nature. But that long building will also block any animal or human migratory paths. And I'm concerned about the effects on birds of these very, very tall mirrored walls. Also the reflections and shadows (we experience these in NYC with the supertall skyscrapers -- a recently built one shines a powerful, nearly blinding, beam of light into my apt. at various times of the day). So, while I love many of the ideas that went into this city plan, I also wonder about it's impact on the world outside of it.
I doubt any animals are migrating straight into the ocean? The line rims the red sea on one side. As for its effects on birds, I can't imagine it would be any different than the effect of skyscrapers?
oh I thought ran from the sea inland. I think skyscrapers affect birds orientation and migration, but I’m not super knowledgeable i guess i don’t understand the logic of a straight line for a city
Wow. It seems like science fiction. Although, I am sure it is possible. I am all for walkability. We live 1/2 mile from groceries and restaurants and frequently walk to them instead of drive. I do wonder how such a massive community of people is sustainable in the desert, though. Water has to come from somewhere. And they don’t get much rain. Unless they are planning on using desalination. And where does the waste/garbage go? Total recycling is not realistic yet.
And, of course, not everyone is cut out for high density living. After a few days visiting my daughter in Manhattan, I am ready to get back to North Carolina where I can walk without constantly dodging people. And have space, and greenery, to myself. 🤣
Still it is a fascinating concept. And probably better than our current urban/suburban sprawl/abandon method.
I’ve been wondering whether high density wouldn’t feel so high density without cars. For instance, in the Neom version of Manhattan, suddenly most of the island is nature. And if the same amount of people were wandering nature, instead of loud congested streets, would it be different?
Personally, I think the sound is what makes somethjng feel too crowded. Loud traffic sounds really over stimulate me and I need to get out of the city. But if the city was quiet, and the only sounds were people, maybe high density would feel like the suburbs-or even better!
I am sure it would make a big difference. If streets were walkways they wouldn’t be so crowded. But then things like ambulances and fire trucks would require some alternatives.
I’m definitely incorporating it into my worlds! There are no cars in Oblivion, and all the cities are on mountainous archipelagos with lots of walking paths and stairs!
Great article. I lived in Monterey for 2 years and while I was there I didn’t own a car. I walked and biked everywhere, every day. I took the bus when I had to. I miss that lifestyle honestly. I wonder if I can ever get that back. Thanks for the shoutout, Elle! I hope your readers get as much enjoyment out of the story as I got while writing it.
This makes me think of the documentary The Human Scale which asserts that city traffic cannot be fixed by more roads, but only by less roads and more pedestrian areas.
I keep wondering why this city is designed in a long straight line. The only reason seems to be to give people a view of nature. But that long building will also block any animal or human migratory paths. And I'm concerned about the effects on birds of these very, very tall mirrored walls. Also the reflections and shadows (we experience these in NYC with the supertall skyscrapers -- a recently built one shines a powerful, nearly blinding, beam of light into my apt. at various times of the day). So, while I love many of the ideas that went into this city plan, I also wonder about it's impact on the world outside of it.
I doubt any animals are migrating straight into the ocean? The line rims the red sea on one side. As for its effects on birds, I can't imagine it would be any different than the effect of skyscrapers?
oh I thought ran from the sea inland. I think skyscrapers affect birds orientation and migration, but I’m not super knowledgeable i guess i don’t understand the logic of a straight line for a city
Wow. It seems like science fiction. Although, I am sure it is possible. I am all for walkability. We live 1/2 mile from groceries and restaurants and frequently walk to them instead of drive. I do wonder how such a massive community of people is sustainable in the desert, though. Water has to come from somewhere. And they don’t get much rain. Unless they are planning on using desalination. And where does the waste/garbage go? Total recycling is not realistic yet.
And, of course, not everyone is cut out for high density living. After a few days visiting my daughter in Manhattan, I am ready to get back to North Carolina where I can walk without constantly dodging people. And have space, and greenery, to myself. 🤣
Still it is a fascinating concept. And probably better than our current urban/suburban sprawl/abandon method.
I’ve been wondering whether high density wouldn’t feel so high density without cars. For instance, in the Neom version of Manhattan, suddenly most of the island is nature. And if the same amount of people were wandering nature, instead of loud congested streets, would it be different?
Personally, I think the sound is what makes somethjng feel too crowded. Loud traffic sounds really over stimulate me and I need to get out of the city. But if the city was quiet, and the only sounds were people, maybe high density would feel like the suburbs-or even better!
I am sure it would make a big difference. If streets were walkways they wouldn’t be so crowded. But then things like ambulances and fire trucks would require some alternatives.
Thanks for this. Very interesting concept, now I want to figure out how to incorporate in the world I write in. :)
I’m definitely incorporating it into my worlds! There are no cars in Oblivion, and all the cities are on mountainous archipelagos with lots of walking paths and stairs!
Great article. I lived in Monterey for 2 years and while I was there I didn’t own a car. I walked and biked everywhere, every day. I took the bus when I had to. I miss that lifestyle honestly. I wonder if I can ever get that back. Thanks for the shoutout, Elle! I hope your readers get as much enjoyment out of the story as I got while writing it.
Move up to SLC! 🤩 But yes, I feel you. Cities are more or less lifestyle friendly depending on whether they were designed for pedestrians!
Thanks for the wonderful story! I’ll definitely be incorporating it into the print edition of Oblivion!!!!
I might need to move soon, so maybe there is hope still haha.
And that’s so exciting!! Thank you. I can’t wait.
It may interest you to know they’ve actually started work on it https://www.dezeen.com/2022/10/22/this-week-drone-footage-construction-the-line-saudi-arabia/
Wow, this is going to be fascinating.
This makes me think of the documentary The Human Scale which asserts that city traffic cannot be fixed by more roads, but only by less roads and more pedestrian areas.
Exactly!