FUTURISTIC HOTEL

LI-INN

The LI-INN is a futuristic, tech-driven hotel set to open in 2050 within The Line, Saudi Arabia’s zero-carbon smart city. Inspired by Yotel New York and Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland, it blends AI-powered personalization, robotic concierge services, AR walls, holographic entertainment, and smart rooms to redefine luxury hospitality. Designed with sustainability at its core, LI-INN operates on renewable energy, including solar and wind, and features circular water systems. High-speed 10G connectivity, autonomous transport, and IoT-enabled amenities offer a seamless guest experience. Its biophilic design and eco-friendly dining—featuring hydroponic farms and lab-grown cuisine—align with The Line’s vision. LI-INN is not just a hotel but a self-sustaining sanctuary where innovation, comfort, and environmental responsibility converge

Concept Statement

The LI-INN, nestled beneath The Line’s iconic vertical cityscape, embodies the essence of harmonious coexistence between advanced technology, sustainability, and cultural authenticity, providing an immersive, luxurious experience while embracing the ecological ethos of net-zero living and the site’s cultural values.

Site and Context

The Line, Future of urban living

The Line is a linear city being developed in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM region, stretching 170 kilometers long, 200 meters wide, and 500 meters tall. It aims to house 9 million people sustainably, focusing on zero-carbon emissions and smart technologies.

Location and Geography
Region: Tabuk Province, northwest Saudi Arabia
Proximity: Near the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, and borders with Jordan and Egypt.
Topography: Combination of desert plains, coastal areas, and mountainous regions.

Vertical Urbanism
The Line is a vertical urban development prioritising space efficiency and minimising ecological impact. Utilising sustainable energy sources and underground transport eliminating the need for cars and traditional roadways, thus greatly reducing pollution. The city integrates artificial intelligence for intelligent energy and water management and environmental monitoring, fostering a sustainable urban ecosystem while encouraging accessible living through advanced transit.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Research

Theories

Parametricism

As a futuristic, AI-driven city, The Line and LI-INN benefit from parametric design principles for fluid, responsive, and adaptive architecture.

Parametric theories are applied for structural development, Smart facdes adjusting opacity based on sunlight exposure and AI-driven spatial planning optimizing guest circulation and usability.

Precedent Study: Galaxy Soho, Beijing, China.

Metabolism

The staggered stacking concept of LI-INN aligns with deconstructivist architecture, which challenges traditional symmetry.

Metabolism theory supports non-uniform stacking of blocks for expandability, while cantilevered terraces create dynamic spaces, and prefabricated components enable faster construction.

Precedent study: Nakagin Capsule Tower, Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo.

Minimalism

The futuristic aesthetic of LI-INN should reflect The Line’s clean, geometric forms and functional minimalism.

Application: Simple yet bold geometric forms defining the hotel’s form, minimalist interior layouts focusing on smart technology and seamless integration and Reduction of visual clutter, emphasizing form and function.

Precedent study: ME Hotel, Dubai

Biophilic Design

LI-INN must reflect The Line’s commitment to sustainability by blending built spaces with nature.

Biophilic theory is relevent for Hanging gardens and sky terraces to integrate nature at all levels, indoor water features for evaporative cooling and sensory relaxation and smart irrigation systems and hydroponic walls for air purification.

Precedent study: Bosco Verticale, Milan

Design Considerations

Colour Palette

Unique Features

Architectural Marvel
The LI-INN has a sleek design inspired by the ME Hotel’s glass facade. The exterior features high-performance glass reflecting the desert and urban skyline. The facade is designed with:

Smart Glass Technology: Adaptive tinting and energy-efficient materials to control light, heat, and privacy.

Dynamic LED Illumination: Integrated into the structure, offering mesmerizing light shows that reflect the cultural heritage and futuristic ethos of The Line.

Vertical Garden Integration: Incorporates greenery across its surface, creating a living, breathing building that blends with the sustainability goals of The Line.

CuttingCutting-Edge Comfort and Technology

Drawing inspiration from Yotel New York, the LI-INN is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for seamless guest experiences:
AI-Driven Personalization: Lighting, temperature, and entertainment preferences based on the guest’s profile.
Robotic Concierge Services: Autonomous robots handle room service, luggage, and cleaning with precision and efficiency.
Smart Pods: Compact, ergonomic room designs with multifunctional furniture, mood lighting, and virtual assistants.
Augmented Reality (AR): Interactive walls in suites for virtual travel, entertainment, or immersive art displays.
Seamless Connectivity: High-speed internet and IoT-enabled devices for a hyperconnected stay.

Experiences and Amenities

The LI-INN goes beyond traditional hospitality, offering futuristic experiences tailored to its location:

Skywalk Observatory: A glass bridge offering panoramic views of The Line and the surrounding desert.
Holographic Entertainment: Live shows featuring AI-generated holograms of global artists and storytellers.
Gravity-Free Spa: A zero-gravity wellness experience inspired by space travel, with advanced hydrotherapy and oxygen treatments.
Cultural Connectivity: Dedicated spaces showcasing Saudi Arabian art, history, and culture through immersive technology.

Structure Development

The design development of LI-INN draws inspiration from The Line’s structured three-dimensional communities, where space is utilized vertically and horizontally to maximize urban density without compromising comfort. Respecting the Line’s vision, the design evolved from the concept of stacking multiple rectangular blocks non-uniformly to prevent visual obstacles from the interior and increase aesthetic appeal.

The stacked block approach enables:

Optimized Sightlines: Each room enjoys an uninterrupted panoramic view.
Unique Aesthetic Appeal: The staggered arrangement creates a bold and visually striking structure.
Integrated Indoor-Outdoor Living: Balconies, terraces, and sky gardens naturally emerge from the block offsets.

Floor Allocation