Movable Skylight

Movable Skylights

At the heart of RIVA Engineering's innovative prowess lies the Movable Skylights project, a series of twelve colossal and dynamic roof structures that redefine the skyline of the Holy Mosque in Makkah. These skylights, each weighing an impressive 300 tons and spanning 32 meters in length and 16 meters in width, are not just feats of engineering but also works of art.

Crafted from the finest duplex stainless steel and glass, the skylights' design serves a dual purpose: facilitating a natural ventilation system that enhances the air quality within the mosque and providing a failsafe smoke ventilation mechanism in the event of a fire. The skylights' mobility is facilitated by eight custom-built bogies, which delicately yet robustly maneuver each roof structure.

The skylights' aesthetic appeal is as striking as their functional design. When closed, they reveal a dazzling display of craftsmanship, with 237 stainless steel profiles adorned with gold-plated covers converging at 54 intricately milled nodes. This metallic framework supports the multi-layered safety insulating glass panels, which are further embellished with 284 Swarovski crystals per skylight. These crystals catch the sunlight, casting a kaleidoscope of spectral colors that add to the sanctity and beauty of the mosque.

Perched atop 7-meter-high structures on the mosque's roof, the skylights oversee the vast atria below. Each skylight's surface features 85 square meters of gold plating, contributing to a total of 1,020 square meters across all twelve. The project's grand scale is matched by its precision and attention to detail, with each crystal weighing nearly half a kilogram and the entire project encompassing a total area of 6,120 square meters.

RIVA's commitment to excellence is evident in the Movable Skylights' design, which incorporates redundant safety sensors and meets the highest industry standards for durability and stability, even under the most extreme climatic conditions. Controlled from a central room, the skylights can be operated individually or collectively, a testament to RIVA's sophisticated engineering and dedication to creating structures that are not only functional but also awe-inspiring.

The Movable Skylights stand as a testament to RIVA Engineering's ability to blend innovative engineering with exquisite design, creating structures that are both practical and breathtakingly beautiful.

 

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