Whale Shark

Al Nehem, known as the Whale Shark, is one of our most ambitious projects. Commissioned for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, this 30-meter-long structure was suspended between the iconic Lusail Plaza Towers, carrying a profound message on the importance of protecting endangered species.

Commissioned by Balich Wonder Studio, we were given only four months from concept to completion, an accelerated timeline that required seamless integration of advanced techniques and precise execution. Our turn-key solution included every phase of the project, from 3D sculpting, technical design, and engineering to material research, design-to-production, and on-site installation, ensuring the sculpture was ready in time for the World Cup’s opening.

The sculpture is constructed from a nearly fully recyclable structural rebar mesh clad in marine-grade stainless steel strips, contributing to sustainability with nearly 100% recycled steel content. Placed strategically near the World Cup stadium, Al Nehem serves as an art piece and a call to action, urging viewers to reflect on the critical need to protect our planet’s wildlife. This project exemplifies how art, innovation, and sustainability can come together to deliver a powerful message on a global stage.

The Whale Shark’s design combines both cultural relevance and pioneering fabrication techniques. The outer skin design draws on Islamic arabesque pattern-making, mirroring the intricate patterns of a whale shark’s skin while honouring local Qatari craftsmanship. To achieve this, we used Mixed Reality Fabrication, a groundbreaking approach that allowed our team to form and assemble directly from holographic guides viewed through augmented reality headsets. This method bypassed many constraints of traditional fabrication and enabled the creation of the sculpture’s 400-square-meter skin, broken down into 66 detailed panels. Over seven weeks, the panels were fabricated using a unique methodology developed specifically for this project.

Video Credit: Balich Wonder Studio