The construction industry is rapidly evolving to become an assembly-line production like the automobile industry. That’s the view of renowned Norwegian architect Erlend Blakstad Haffner, Founding Partner & Director, Cook Haffner Architecture Platform (CHAP). He believes this will result in megaprojects such as The Line city in the upcoming NEOM economic zone in Saudi Arabia utilising prefabricated kits to ensure sustainable construction practices. Co-founded by Haffner with industry veteran Peter Cook, CHAP is the lead designer of the flagship The Line project. Recently in India for the launch of the Made in India aggregator platform for housing, he spoke exclusively to MANISH PANT on the ongoing disruptions, the future of architecture, and the importance of organic growth to Indian cities. Edited excerpts.

How is the The Line project in Saudi Arabia’s futuristic NEOM economic zone a landmark in zero-gravity urbanism?
The Line’s main aspect is to define a new way of living in a city in a manner that impacts all parts of your life. That’s what Saudi Arabia has envisioned for the project....

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