World’s first 3D-printed mosque unveiled in Jeddah

Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - JEDDAH: Jeddah recently celebrated the inaugural ceremony of the world’s first mosque built using 3D printing technology.

Situated in Al-Jawhara suburb of Jeddah, the mosque is named after the late Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly as a tribute from his wife, Saudi businesswoman Wajnat Abdulwahed.

The innovation is part of the National Housing Co.’s portfolio, unveiled amidst a gathering of senior government officials and business leaders.

Leading Fursan Real Estate, Abdulwahed spearheaded the construction of the 5,600-square-meter mosque, utilizing cutting-edge 3D printers from Guanli, a renowned Chinese manufacturer in the realm of three-dimensional printing technology.

In an interview with Arab News, Abdulwahed explained the aesthetic beauty of the mosque’s interior and exterior. “The design concept of the mosque was based on fostering a sense of tranquility among worshippers through the principle of gracious hospitality,” he said.

“Therefore, the mosque’s design was centered within a circle that can be easily oriented towards the qibla. Attention was paid to the building’s mass and its relationship with natural light, the design of entrances and gates, and the exterior facades to reflect the architectural identity.”

The minarets were designed to make the mosque a distinctive landmark within the neighborhood. Moreover, the design of the open outdoor area was inspired by Hijr Ismail beside the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, serving as an extension for worshippers outside the mosque during Friday prayers, taraweeh prayers in Ramadan, and Eid.

All these details are embodied in the Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly mosque, making it truly an iconic structure and the first of its kind in the world.

Speaking of the challenges faced, she noted the foremost being the construction using 3D printing technology, “as it is a new, complex, and very precise technique that creates a real building from a computer file. Of course, the work and execution are carried out in a completely different manner than traditional methods, which must be considered during the building design.

“It is essential not to lose 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, among others,” she explained.

The successful completion of the world’s first 3D-printed mosque underscores the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and technologists.

The utilization of 3D printing technology in construction holds immense promise for the future of architecture and design. By translating digital models into tangible structures through additive manufacturing processes, 3D printing minimizes material wastage and increases efficiency in the construction industry.

The implementation of this technology in building the world’s first 3D-printed mosque sets a precedent for future innovations and reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for technological advancements.

By bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, the world’s first 3D-printed mosque in Jeddah symbolizes a bold step toward a more sustainable and technologically-driven future.