Saudi Arabia has announced its plans to develop Aquellum, a futuristic underground community located within the NEOM megadevelopment project.
Described as “a luxury and experiential space embedded within the mountains”, Aquellum has been designed utilising cutting-edge technology and avant-garde architecture in mind. The project is said to demonstrate how futuristic ecosystems can be harmoniously embedded within the natural environment.
The facility will be built within a 450-meter-high mountain range located alongside the Gulf of Aqaba coastline.
To access Aquellum, visitors will first have to reach the world’s first floating marina, where they will board a specially designed vessel that will take them through a concealed underground canal.
“Once inside, visitors will be able to 100-meter-high vertical experience with an impressive courtyard space stretching from the water to the sky”
NEOM
The subterranean digitalised community will feature hotel accommodations, apartments, retail spaces, leisure and entertainment zones and innovative hubs.
Aquellum’s upper floors will be accessible through an omnidirectional internal transit system and will feature homes and hotels, as well as rooftop gardens with coastal views.
The project has been designed around a dynamic boulevard, which connects social, hospitality, immersive arts, events, shopping and dining spaces. A signature space, dubbed ‘The Generator’ is expected to house research labs for disruptors, innovators, and creative thinkers.
“Crafted to inspire originality and imagination, Aquellum will push the boundaries of conventional design and construction possibilities,” NEOM said.
NEOM is a $500 billion project to build a futuristic city in the North of Saudi Arabia.
Construction on the site has already begun, with the first destinations set to come online later this year. Once completed, the city is expected to be 33 times the size of New York.
