The Athar Monument: Celebrating Bahraini Women's Achievements

BFG International is proud to have played a key role in creating the Athar Monument, an iconic sculptural landmark in Bahrain’s capital, Manama. Commissioned by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) and unveiled on 30 November 2023, the monument celebrates the contributions of Bahraini women to national development and progress. Athar stands as a testament to the achievements of women in Bahraini society, representing their role in shaping the nation’s past, present, and future.

Athar’s striking design reflects Bahrain’s deep connection to its surrounding sea and symbolizes the aspirations of women who, like waves, continue to push the boundaries of possibility. Its design was selected through a competition by SCW and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, blending tradition with modernity to honor the contributions of women in shaping Bahrain’s history and future. Engineered by BFG using advanced composite materials, the sculpture’s form is a stunning example of modern craftsmanship, showcasing both the aesthetic and functional advantages of composites in architectural applications.

Engineering Excellence and Advanced Materials

At the heart of Athar’s stunning sculptural design is an impressive 12-meter cantilevered structure, demonstrating BFG’s world-leading expertise in 3-dimensional design engineering and the properties of advanced composite materials. The self-supporting monument, constructed entirely from Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), highlights the synergy between innovative design and technical precision.

The complex geometry of Athar was achievable only through molded composite materials. BFG’s early collaboration with the design team ensured that the structure accurately represented the artistic vision. Advanced software tools such as CATIA were used for 3D modeling, while Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in FEMAP validated the cantilever’s load-bearing capabilities. By developing specialized molds and reinforcement techniques, the team was able to overcome challenges such as intricate transitions between steps. Cost-effective methods were implemented to achieve sharp transitions and geometric accuracy while maintaining the structure’s aesthetic precision.

GFRP was chosen for its ability to endure Bahrain’s extreme environmental conditions, including high UV exposure, abrasive wind-blown sand, and humidity. Its proven applications in offshore wind generators, marine craft, and rail elements underscored its suitability. Comprehensive testing in certified laboratories confirmed the material’s mechanical properties, with rigorous quality control ensuring batch consistency during manufacturing. These steps will serve to ensure Athar’s durability and resilience.

BFG employed precision molding techniques using advanced 7-axis robotic cnc machines to bring Athar’s intricate forms to life. Each of the monument’s components was crafted using custom, one-time-use molds tailored to its unique geometry. Quality assurance played a critical role, encompassing:

• Geometric Inspections: Advanced 3D scanning ensured dimensional accuracy to prevent installation issues.

• Structural Inspections: Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) was conducted to mitigate risks during lamination, ensuring consistent quality and structural reliability.

•Aesthetic Inspections: Visual comparisons with master samples approved by the architects ensured alignment with the artistic vision.

By addressing all three aspects, geometry, structure, and aesthetics, BFG maintained the stringent quality standards required for this high-performance application.

By modularizing the design and manufacturing large elements offsite, BFG’s skilled teams ensured the structure was completed ahead of the inauguration within the challenging seven-day timeframe. Athar’s waterfront location posed logistical challenges, including limited access via a single slip road. Careful planning ensured smooth transportation of modules to the site and efficient on-site assembly.

BFG designed Athar to require minimal maintenance while maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity. Weather-aging tests simulated Bahrain’s climate, confirming negligible effects on GFRP’s mechanical properties. The use of advanced composite materials ensures that Bahrain can continue celebrating Athar’s beauty, maintaining its form and finish for generations to come. Use of composite materials eliminated the need for steel substructures, reducing weight from 30 kg/m² for carbon steel to just 25 kg/m² for GFRP. This contributed to a 17% lower carbon footprint over the monument’s lifecycle.

The Athar Monument is more than a landmark; it is a cultural and entrepreneurial incubator. It celebrates the contributions of Bahraini women, serving as a symbol of their achievements and aspirations. Its mission includes preserving these contributions for future generations and inspiring new ideas and creativity. Athar is a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to gender equality, innovation, and cultural pride, embodying the nation’s past, present, and future.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:  
About BFG International For over 40 years, BFG has been a global leader and pioneer in composite design, engineering and manufacturing, with over 2,000 people and 15 production facilities worldwide – and a total commitment to quality and innovation. BFG currently caters to six sectors, each with unique performance requirements: Architecture and Infrastructure, Transportation, Corrosion Engineering and Process Equipment, Wind and Renewable Energy, Environmental Systems, and Leisure and Recreation. Working in depth with sector leaders, BFG has world leading cross-functional knowledge and expertise in design methodology, materials composition and manufacturing processes – delivering significant advantages in performance, productivity and efficiency to each sector. www.bfginternational.com

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