Behold, the “Sky Stadium” announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the latest jazzy edition to their utopian “smart city” project known as The Line or NEOM — an $8-trillion, 105-mile-long megastructure composed of two 1640-foot-high mirrored slabs that enclose a creamy nougat center of jungly foliage and water features integrated with apartments, offices, schools, and (of course) shopping.
Nope. Freefall is 32 feet/second, period. Drop a brick and a piano from a 10-story building. They hit the ground at the same time, regardless of weight.
11/09/25: Not a problem. The bodies get buried underneath the sod in the stadium, which will lend a new dimension of mirth to the betting propositions of "Over/Under." And if by chance fate deals a bad hand to the natives, the building can be re-purposed as "The Tomb of The Unknown Saudi."
For some reason, "The Machine Stops" comes to mind. Or maybe something like "Escape from New York". All it takes is one backed-up sewage and plumbing system, and they'll be on each other like wolves.
Perhaps luckily much of the imagined future will not take place. Jim, thank you for your work over the years to highlight the need for good community design.
In a U.N. declared maximum CRISIS due to "scarcities" that (they hope) will Lockdown Humanity, this giant, frothy merengue? And WHY on Earth? Literally. For that much investment, such hubris; why not Ganymede? I know why. No goats🍑.
The stadium and its roof look like they're being devoured by the shark-jaw slabs holding them.
Big-project modern architecture has left aesthetics, even utilitarian functioning, behind. It's about display and spectacle, cultural intimidation. Ozymandias lives.
There is a Biblical hubris involved in the recent vertical construction binge. I don't even understand having an apartment on the fortieth or eightieth floor in New York City.
I’d just LOVE to wait in line with 46,000 people ahead of me for the elevator.
Twice!
Well, you could take the Express down. I'll be great fun, it's a firemans pole!
Or if you happen to be gay, it’s a more direct route with no stops…🤔
You go first.
I'll watch.
On line.
There will be speed records set, i'm sure of it.
32 feet per second per second, if I am accurately recalling 65 year old physics classes.
Sounds right, but, weight is a factor in the equation too 😁👍
My bride don't 'low talk about that 'weight' thang!
Nope. Freefall is 32 feet/second, period. Drop a brick and a piano from a 10-story building. They hit the ground at the same time, regardless of weight.
I am sure the will be inhuman treatment of the labor force involved as well.
11/09/25: Not a problem. The bodies get buried underneath the sod in the stadium, which will lend a new dimension of mirth to the betting propositions of "Over/Under." And if by chance fate deals a bad hand to the natives, the building can be re-purposed as "The Tomb of The Unknown Saudi."
Since when do Muslims treat their slaves well? Not a consideration.
For some reason, "The Machine Stops" comes to mind. Or maybe something like "Escape from New York". All it takes is one backed-up sewage and plumbing system, and they'll be on each other like wolves.
Drunk people miles above the air? What could go wrong?
Jeron I think alcohol is illegal in SArabia.
Good point. They'd probably pitch their foes over the side for fun.
Should this nightmare ever come to life there will be suites for the elite to enjoy their favorite beverages in. Rules for thee...
Multiplied by thousands: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/arizona-grand-canyon-man-dies-fall-west-rim-guano-point/
It's hard to have a dignified death at Guano Point.
11/14/25: His friends just before the dude left: "Have a nice trip, see you in the fall!"
It resembles a decapitated snake. I expect blood to come gushing out in a fountain. Ugly doesn't suffice.
Not sure I want to exactly thank you for the imagery, but it IS very apt indeed.
Just wanted to setup your nightmare a little more, Andy.
Perhaps luckily much of the imagined future will not take place. Jim, thank you for your work over the years to highlight the need for good community design.
Perhaps it’s a model for 15 minute cities?!? Lmao
I think that's exactly what this is.
I'm hoping that this is one of those weird "pie in the sky" projects that never gets built.
It's brutalism + urban planning from hell.
Humans should never live there.
Simple = intelligent
It's not hot enough, build mirrors. More cowbell!
So freaking ugly that words escape me.
In a U.N. declared maximum CRISIS due to "scarcities" that (they hope) will Lockdown Humanity, this giant, frothy merengue? And WHY on Earth? Literally. For that much investment, such hubris; why not Ganymede? I know why. No goats🍑.
The stadium and its roof look like they're being devoured by the shark-jaw slabs holding them.
Big-project modern architecture has left aesthetics, even utilitarian functioning, behind. It's about display and spectacle, cultural intimidation. Ozymandias lives.
Oh the places hubris takes us!
There is a Biblical hubris involved in the recent vertical construction binge. I don't even understand having an apartment on the fortieth or eightieth floor in New York City.
I wouldn't want to be anywhere near that if 100,000 fans all start stomping at once to Queen's "We Are The Champions."
Very cool drawings! But I wouldn't want to live or visit there.