A criticism on NEOM by Xaver Roos and Marc Rinaldis

A criticism on NEOM NEOM, in Saudi Arabia, is an innovative megacity project led by the Public Investment Fund. It redefines urban living through visionary planning, emphasizing technology, environmental practices, and economic prosperity. Breaking traditional city barriers, NEOM aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation and development. A closer look at NEOM’s projects shows an intentional reflection of the imaginative landscapes and objects of sci-fi narratives. Numerous articles compare NEOM’s initiatives to sci-fi themes, questioning the influence of NEOM’s architectural vision. Every aspect of its architectural design appears closely linked with the elements of speculative fiction. This connection becomes clear when examining NEOM’s architectural renderings compared to stereotypical sci-fi imagery. Every aspect of NEOM’s architectural constitution appears complexly connected with the elements of speculative fiction. Zero gravity urbanism, for example, is intimately tied to sci-fi's speculative landscapes. Here, NEOM transcends conventional urban planning, embracing a vision that defies gravity, reminiscent of sci-fi narratives. It is crucial to untie the layers of influence. Science fiction draws inspiration from the past, using historical context for speculative leaps. Design fiction, in turn, borrows from science fiction, seamlessly blending the conceivable with the fantastical. Within this complex interplay of influences, the term "developer fiction" emerges, representing companies, such as NEOM, applying science fiction as a strategic tool for marketing. This brings us to an essential question: Should NEOM dominate discussions within the architectural discourse? There's no need to debate that NEOM impacts both the environment and human rights. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that, despite the awareness of these negative effects, the implementation of NEOM raises serious concerns regarding environmental consequences and human rights violations. Exploring NEOM’s deliberate association with science fiction, it is essential to analyze the effectiveness of such a strategy. The use of sci-fi elements in marketing, including architectural renderings, is not merely an aesthetic choice but a calculated approach to capture attention and project an image of futuristic innovation. Notable aspects of NEOM's intentional alignment with sci-fi landscapes include the resemblance between NEOM’s Epicon and stereotypical sci-fi desert imagery. The deliberate use of these familiar sci-fi motifs raises concerns about true architectural innovation. The association with science fiction may be a strategic move to generate interest, yet it prompts us to question the depth of NEOM's architectural contributions.