By 2025, more than 600 worshipers will have a chance to visit the world’s first 3D-printed mosque. Destined for Bur Dubai, this place of worship will span over 2,000 square meters, giving everyone the space needed for prayer, learning, and community gatherings.
The mosque is currently in its planning stages, although the building design is already complete. Dubai officials just need to sign off on the design, kicking off the project’s next phase. Construction will then begin in October with the creation of the building structure using 3D-printing technology. The printing process should take four months in total. After that, building out the interior space and amenities will take another 12 months.
The use of state-of-the-art technology and extended construction times make construction costs 30% higher than traditional methods. But with the 30-year guarantee, the builders expect that this investment will pay out in a big way through the years.
An Innovative Way to Improve Infrastructure
The dream of 3D printing Dubai infrastructure began in 2016 with the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s strategy. As the Ruler of Dubai, he created the ‘Dubai 3D Printing Strategy’ initiative to turn the city into the leading technology hub by 2030.
Then, he followed up the strategy with a decree stating that the construction sector was authorized to use 3D printing technology in their works. The overall goal is to use 3D printing for at least 25% of all future building projects.
Immensa Technology Labs responded in kind by filing a construction 3D printing patent in 2018. Other companies like ACCIONA followed up by opening their concrete 3D printing companies all across the UAE. To show the power of 3D printing in construction, PERI and WASP banded together to create Dior’s beach hut outlet in Dubai.
In July 2021, the government of Dubai backed their initiative and decree by creating a 3D-printed research lab. A first of its kind, this lab acts as a local additive manufacturing hub for the research and development of innovative projects, including drones, rovers, and other prototypes.
Building a Place of Worship Unlike Any Other
In 2022, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) rolled out its plans to build the first 3D-printed mosque in the world. This project aligns with their mission of completing charitable work that benefits the community.
Many of the project details stay close to the vest for now, including who their main financial backers are. IACAD has shared that they will use specially formulated concrete and raw materials to print the building.
Using those materials, the robotic 3D printer will build at a rate of two square meters each hour. Three workers will run the equipment and monitor the building progress. By the end of the four-month printing phase, the entire outer structure of the mosque will stand tall, ready for the construction of its interior sections and amenities.
Immensa Paves the Way for Even More 3D Printed Buildings
Although Immensa Technology Labs did not roll out the 3D-printed mosque project, they remain a leader in this space. They’ve positioned their company to help transform the world’s spare parts supply into buildings and other works created using additive manufacturing.
With the right approach, additive manufacturing technology has the power to reduce construction waste while improving efficiency. Beyond that, the quality structures created using this technology promise to withstand the test of time, helping builders get immense value out of their investment.
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