NEOM A Global Laboratory for Architectural Innovation
NEOM is not a single city but a vast network of smart, sustainable districts each designed by an international team of architects. More than 20 global architecture firms are involved, each contributing to a different part of this futuristic landscape.
This article breaks down who’s designing what across NEOM’s key developments, offering a clear and accessible overview of this unprecedented architectural collaboration.
1. The Line: A Vertical City Like No Other
The Line is NEOM’s most iconic project a linear city stretching 170 kilometers , formed by two parallel towers rising 500 meters high. Designed to house up to nine million people, it envisions a car free, hyper connected future where urban life is reimagined from the ground up.
Key Architecture Firms Involved:
| Firm | Role |
|---|---|
| Morphosis | Lead masterplanning and overall vision |
| Studio Fuksas | Designing three urban modules |
| Pei Cobb Freed & Partners | Featured in The Line exhibition and Discovery Channel documentary |
| Delugan Meissl Associated Architects | Early design studies |
| Cook Haffner Architecture Platform | One of the 700-meter-long segments |
| Tom Wiscombe Architecture | Part of the initial concept presentation |
| Oyler Wu Collaborative | Included in early showcase exhibitions |
Most of these studios haven’t officially commented on their roles, but their presence in documentaries and exhibitions suggests they played key parts in shaping the early conceptual phases of The Line.
2. Trojena: A Futuristic Mountain Destination
Trojena aims to be a year-round alpine destination within NEOM, combining luxury tourism with sustainability and digital infrastructure. It’s one of the most architecturally diverse zones in the entire project.
Firms Working on Trojena:
| Firm | Role |
|---|---|
| Zaha Hadid Architects | Designing a crystalline observation tower |
| UNStudio | Working on an undisclosed project |
| LAVA (Laboratory for Visionary Architecture) | Leading masterplanning and designing multiple buildings |
| Aedas | Contributing to Trojena and the Gidori golf resort |
| Bureau Proberts | Designing the Jaumur resort |
LAVA has described Trojena as an opportunity to rethink how cities can coexist with nature, emphasizing the importance of integrating natural systems into built environments.
3. Gulf of Aqaba Developments: Luxury Resorts Meets Nature
The Gulf of Aqaba region hosts some of NEOM’s most visually striking and environmentally conscious projects blending luxury hospitality with deep respect for the surrounding desert and coastal landscapes.
Highlights from Gulf of Aqaba Projects:
| Location | Firm | Project Type |
|---|---|---|
| Leyja | Killa Design | A mirrored hotel embedded in the wadi |
| Leyja | Mario Cucinella Architects | A sculpted rock hotel with environmental focus |
| Zardun | OMA | Carbon-neutral development strategy |
| Aquellum | LAVA + Name Architecture | Inverted skyscraper concept carved into a mountain |
| Sindalah | Luca Dini Design & Architecture | High-end Red Sea island resort (one of the first to open) |
| Siranna | Woods Bagot | Minimalist luxury retreat blending with topography |
| Epicon & Norlana | 10 Design | Twin jagged skyscrapers and a futuristic yachting village |
| Treyam & Elanan | Mark Foster Gage | A 450m bridge with an elevated pool and hidden spa garden |
| Utamo | Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura | Subterranean cultural space inspired by emotion and memory |
| Xaynor | Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos | Beachfront private club reconnecting humans with nature |
These projects show how NEOM is pushing the boundaries of luxury design, sustainability, and integration with natural terrain .
4. Who Left? And Who Remains?
Despite the excitement around NEOM, some firms have stepped back or left the project altogether.
Notable Withdrawals:
| Firm | Status |
|---|---|
| Adjaye Associates | No longer involved (confirmed toArchitects’ Journal) |
| Coop Himmelb(l)au | Officially exited (CEO Wolf Prix confirmed) |
| HOK | Previously seen in early presentations |
| Mecanoo | Briefly worked on Trojena, then withdrew |
While these exits have sparked questions, many other firms remain committed, continuing to shape NEOM’s evolving identity.
Conclusion: NEOM A Living Canvas for Future Cities
NEOM isn’t just another city on the map it’s a network of experimental urban models , each testing new ways of living, moving, and connecting with the environment.
From towering structures to underground cultural spaces, from mirrored hotels to inverted skyscrapers NEOM brings together both established giants and avant-garde innovators in architecture.
Though many of these projects are still in early stages, the involvement of 23 international studios already shows that NEOM is more than a dream it’s a laboratory for the cities of tomorrow.
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