The world's first 3D-printed Mosque, constructed in Saudi Arabia, took only six months to build. It was reportedly built to cater to Muslims' devotion and is now open to the public.
(Photo : ArchDaily/Wael Kikhia )
World's First 3D-Printed Mosque in Saudi Arabia
The inaugural 3D-printed Mosque has been constructed within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, covering an expansive expanse of 5,600 square kilometers. Forsan Real Estate and Guanli, a company specializing in cutting-edge 3D printing technology, were involved in constructing this mosque project. Through the efforts of Abdulwahed, the spouse of the late Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly, the construction of the Mosque was completed in six months. As a memorial tribute, the deceased horseman Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly commissioned the construction of this Mosque in the residential district of Al-Jawhara, Jeddah.
While using light from natural sources, this structure is designed to be a center of serenity for the people worshiping as Muslims. It is also home to several distinctive minarets, which contribute to establishing a landmark within the surrounding community. Moreover, it has garnered attention worldwide by demonstrating the countless applications that may be made with 3D printing technology in the building industry. They underscored the significance of preserving the fundamental qualities that mosques ought to embody while adhering to overarching standards, such as highlighting the architectural feature details in the cultural heritage of ancient Hejazi architecture and incorporating them in a modern format per the King Salman Urban Charter.
On the other hand, using 3D printing technology, a novel, sophisticated, and exact technique that builds a genuine building from a computer file, was reportedly the most significant challenge Abdulwahed faced throughout the construction process. Unlike conventional methods, the construction process and implementation required a novel approach, which demanded meticulous deliberation throughout the architectural design phase. Thus, ensuring adherence to overarching criteria, including the incorporation of architectural details derived from the cultural heritage of Hejazi architecture, highlighting the values outlined in the King Salman Urban Charter, and presenting these elements in a contemporary format, was very important in preserving the essence that mosques ought to exemplify.
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Saudi Arabia's Vision to Revive Its Culture and Diversify
The use of this technology in the construction of the world's first Mosque, which was manufactured using 3D printing, establishes an example for future breakthroughs. It strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a center for technological advancements. Accordingly, this Mosque is a bold move toward a more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced future that bridges the gap between tradition and novelty.
Internationally, the identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is enduring a profound transformation. By its 2030 Vision, the monarchy is making progress toward innovation across the built environment to revitalize the culture and broaden the scope of its economy. Furthermore, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a novel multi-purpose facility in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, was introduced to the public in January with its architectural blueprints unveiled by Populous. After a five-year break, construction on the Jeddah Tower, which is expected to surpass the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates and become the tallest skyscraper in the world, resumed last year. The skyscraper, designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, is anticipated to reach a height of one thousand meters.
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