The world’s first 3D printed mosque
The world’s first 3D printed mosque development project will begin by the end of this year.
DUBAI: In recent times, 3D printing has been used to build various objects and structures including houses and bridges.
Now, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is planning to build the world’s first 3D printed mosque.
The chief engineer of Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Alhalyan Alsuwaidi, said the two-storey structure covering 2,000 square meters can accommodate about 600 pilgrims.
“It will be built using a concrete mix. The project is scheduled to start towards the end of this year and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025,” he said.
According to him, 3D printing was chosen because it is a new and innovative technology and has the potential to save time and resources compared to traditional construction methods.
Understandably, building structures using 3D printing requires a large printer programmed with design information.
Most 3D printed structures are produced from concrete, however they can print using other materials such as clay.
Dubai also aims to become the ‘3D printing capital’ of the world.
In 2018, it launched a ‘3D Printing Strategy’ which plans to have 25 percent of new structural construction produced using the technology by 2030.
About a year after that, it set a world record when it successfully built the 9.5-meter-high Dubai Municipal Council in an area of 640 square meters using 3D printing.
In addition, the city also built the world’s first 3D printing office and research laboratory developed using the same technology.
3D printed structures are now growing around the world such as a refugee settlement center in Jordan and a facility for the homeless in Austin, Texas in the United States (US).
Dean of the Built Environment Department at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, Theo Salet also supports the modernization of the construction industry through technology such as 3D printing.
“Digital design and construction will save time and reduce costs. It can also solve the problem of shortage of labor and skilled workers. This transition can make the construction industry more sustainable,” he explained.
