The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now home to the world's first 3D-printed mosque, spanning an area of 5,600 sqm. Located within the Al-Jawhara suburb of Jeddah, the mosque is a tribute to the late equestrian Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. The project by Forsan Real Estate utilizes cutting-edge 3D printing technology from Guanli.
The mosque's construction was completed in six months under the supervision of Wajnat Abdulwahed, the spouse of the late Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. Aiming to foster serenity amongst worshipers, the mosque features natural lights and distinctive minarets, creating a landmark within the neighbourhood.
The project has garnered global attention, showcasing the limitless possibilities of 3D printing technology in construction. In an interview with Arab News, Abdulwahed stressed the importance of "not losing the essence that mosques must embody, while also adhering to general conditions such as emphasizing the values of the King Salman Urban charter, the architectural details in the cultural heritage of Hejazi architecture and presenting them in a contemporary format."
Dubai is a technological hub, surpassing the United Arab Emirates' projected timeline for a similar endeavour. Last May, Dubai announced an initiative to construct the world's first 3D-printed mosque. As a new and complex technique, the successful completion of the world's 3D-printed religious infrastructure holds potential for the future of architecture and design.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a tremendous transition, redefining its identity on a global level. As part of its 2030 Vision, the kingdom is moving towards innovation throughout the built environment, aiming to revive the culture and diversify its economy. In January, Populous unveiled the designs for the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a new multi-use venue to contribute to the offerings of Qiddiya City near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Last year, construction on the Jeddah Tower resumed after a five-year hiatus, set to become the world's tallest skyscraper and beat the UAE's Burj Khalifa. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the tower is set to reach a height of 1,000 meters.
3D-printed buildings, once hailed as a solution to emergency housing needs in remote areas, are now entering more mainstream design. Different use cases have been proven for them worldwide, including an entire housing development in the USA. The technique allows for far more intricate designs that are far cheaper than traditional building methods.
While much 3D printing relies on plastics and polymers, it is also a green building method. These source materials can be recycled, and the technique itself reduces waste by allowing complex forms to be created while minimizing materials.