Neom City Project and Ethical Questions Quiz

Study Notes

Neom is a new city project in Saudi Arabia, 170 kilometers long and 500 meters tall, shaped as a line cutting through a desert
The project aims to house 9 million residents, with a focus on green technology, renewable energy, and zero carbon emissions
Neom is part of Saudi Arabia's plan to diversify economy and invest in infrastructure, education, tourism, research, and future industries
The city will have three levels: pedestrian zone at ground level, commercial spaces and services on the second level, and transportation and goods on the third level
The city is designed to eliminate cars and prioritize walking, with ultra high speed public transit system connecting different city modules
Neom's initial estimate was $500 billion, now estimated at $1 trillion
The project faces criticism for its design's impact on natural habitat and the desert terrain, as it cuts through the surroundings and creates hot heat zones with mirrored facade
The transportation system relies heavily on expensive bullet trains, raising questions about organic growth and the feasibility of creating a linear city
The project's rigid design may not allow for the breeding of ideas and innovation as organically as a maze-like city, where accidents and cross-pollination occur
The city's layout may pose challenges for residents' daily needs, such as access to daylight, grocery stores, and cycling infrastructure.- The text discusses the Saudi Arabian government's plans to build a new city called Neom, which will function as a free trade zone with its own tax and legal systems.
The city aims to attract global investors and create an environment for efficient living using AI technology.
Neom is also intended to be a massive city, but its small initial sections raise questions about its viability as a place for people to move in and live.
Desalination technology is one of the advanced technologies being developed for Neom.
Some criticisms of the project include concerns about data privacy, the lack of proper infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, and the displacement of a tribal community.
Women's rights in Saudi Arabia have seen significant progress since 2018, with the lifting of driving restrictions and the allowing of women to apply for passports and travel without a male guardian.
However, Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Arabian prince spearheading the project, has been criticized for human rights violations, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the arrest of political activists.
The Neom project has faced criticism for a lack of consultation with those who will be affected by it, including existing residents.
The text raises ethical questions about the role of architects in projects like Neom, which may prioritize political agendas over public interests.
The architect has ethical obligations to make sufficient income, serve the client, serve the public, and have devotion to the art of architecture.
If there is a conflict between these obligations, the architect must prioritize the client's interests over their own and the public's interests over both.
The text concludes by asking the reader for their thoughts on the architect's role in projects like Neom.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Neom city project in Saudi Arabia, its goals, controversies, and ethical considerations in architecture. Explore the impact of Neom on the environment, economy, and society, and reflect on the role of architects in projects with political implications.