In a groundbreaking stride towards architectural innovation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proudly unveils the world’s inaugural 3D-printed mosque, nestled within the Al-Jawhara suburb of Jeddah. Spanning an impressive 5,600 square meters, this architectural marvel serves as a tribute to the late equestrian Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly and stands as a testament to the kingdom’s embrace of cutting-edge technology. Spearheaded by Forsan Real Estate and employing state-of-the-art 3D printing technology from Guanli, the mosque’s construction was completed in a mere six months, under the visionary leadership of Wajnat Abdulwahed, the spouse of the esteemed Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly.

Designed to foster tranquility amongst worshippers while seamlessly integrating natural light, the mosque boasts distinctive minarets, elevating it to the status of a neighborhood landmark. Its inauguration heralds Saudi Arabia’s ascent as a global technological hub, outpacing even the United Arab Emirates in a similar endeavor. While Dubai had previously announced plans for the world’s first 3D-printed mosque last May, Saudi Arabia has now taken the lead, demonstrating the boundless possibilities of this emerging construction technique.

The successful completion of this pioneering religious infrastructure project has captured global attention, underscoring the transformative potential of 3D printing technology in architecture and design. In an interview with Arab News, Abdulwahed emphasized the importance of preserving the essence of mosque architecture while adhering to contemporary standards, including the principles outlined in the King Salman Urban Charter and the rich cultural heritage of Hejazi architecture.

This achievement marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s journey of reinvention, as outlined in its ambitious 2030 Vision. With a steadfast commitment to innovation across the built environment, the kingdom aims to revitalize its cultural landscape and diversify its economy. Notably, Populous recently unveiled designs for the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a versatile new venue set to enrich the offerings of Qiddiya City near Riyadh. Furthermore, construction on the Jeddah Tower, poised to surpass the Burj Khalifa and become the world’s tallest skyscraper, has resumed after a five-year hiatus, signaling Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to architectural excellence.

In parallel with these monumental strides, advancements in 3D printing technology continue to revolutionize the construction industry. ICON’s latest innovations, including a robotic printer capable of multi-story construction, promise to further modernize building processes. December saw ArchDaily’s comprehensive exploration of 3D printing’s vast potential, from insulated walls to intricate tiles, reaffirming the technology’s profound impact on the future of construction.

As Saudi Arabia pioneers the future of architecture with its pioneering 3D-printed mosque, the world watches in awe, anticipating further innovations that will shape the landscape of tomorrow.

By Impact Lab