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Pioneering 3D-Printed Mosque Unveiled In Jeddah
The Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly mosque is constructed using cutting-edge technology and symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Although readers might be led to believe that 3D-printed architecture is a new concept, the technique actually traces its origins back over 80 years of theoretical design and 40 years of practical application. Initially employed for constructing cement-based structures, 3D printing has streamlined the process of laying down foundational bases for buildings from China to Europe and now to the Middle East.
Situated in Jeddah’s Al-Jawhara suburb, the 5,600-square-meter Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly mosque is the first in the world to be created using 3D printing. Employing technology from renowned Chinese manufacturer Guanli, the religious building was commissioned by Saudi entrepreneur Wajnat Abdulwahed in memory of her late husband.
🎥| افتتاح أول جامع في العالم يُبنى بتقنية الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد بجدة في #ضاحية_الجوهرة إحدى ضواحي #الوطنية_للإسكان باسم جامع السيد/ عبدالعزيز عبدالله شربتلي رحمه الله، على مساحة 5600 م2، كإهداء من زوجته @W_Abdulwahed رئيسة مجلس إدارة منظومة فرسان العقارية المنفّذة للمشروع. pic.twitter.com/WyEHpBX2wD
— عدّاد جدة (@3adad) March 7, 2024
Built by Forsan Real Estate under Abdulwahed’s direction, the mosque is part of the National Housing Co.’s portfolio and was opened to the public amidst a gathering of Saudi business leaders and senior government officials.
The Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly project aims to introduce modern built-environment technologies to Saudi Arabia, positioning the nation as an early adopter. Utilizing a 3D scanner and specialized Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, Guanli employed additive manufacturing to construct successive layers, significantly reducing material wastage compared to conventional techniques.
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During an interview with Arab News, Abdulwahed explained that the “design concept of the mosque was based on fostering a sense of tranquility among worshippers through the principle of gracious hospitality. 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 white facade of the mosque is flagged by distinctive towering minarets and complimented by an open-air outdoor courtyard, which allows a greater number of worshippers inside during busy times such as Friday prayers, taraweeh prayers in Ramadan, and Eid.
News
NASA Forms New Partnership With Saudi Space Agency
The pair will collaborate on the Center for Space Futures, advancing space tech by bringing together public and private stakeholders.
Saudi Arabia’s space industry is on the brink of substantial expansion after generating $400 million in revenue in 2022, according to a report by the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission.
Now, in a new venture with NASA, plans for a “Center for Space Futures” are set to further drive the Kingdom’s aspirations of becoming a leading player in space exploration and technology.
Capturing moments from the joint delegation visit with leaders from the Saudi and American Space Agencies @NASA to @PSU_RUH, along with scenes showcasing the audience's engagement. pic.twitter.com/oB1cFTiRNl
— وكالة الفضاء السعودية (@saudispace) May 14, 2024
The partnership between NASA and Saudi Arabia goes beyond economic advantages. The pair have already cooperated on preliminary work for the Artemis II lunar mission, which is slated for a September 2025 launch and aims to land astronauts near the moon’s South Pole.
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During a visit to the capital, Riyadh, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized in a TV interview the broader objectives of the collaboration, which encompass “returning to the moon and then [to] Mars” while utilizing space exploration to glean important insights into climate change. The NASA spokesman also reiterated the space agency’s dedication to collaborating with Saudi Arabia on other future ventures.
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