Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Pillars of main edifice completed | BWNS

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Many of the distinctive architectural features of the design of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are becoming visible as work progresses.

The eight pillars of the central edifice have now been completed. The folding walls on the west side of the central plaza are also complete and are being joined with one of the portal walls of the south plaza.

At the same time, preparations are beginning for the work of building an intricate trellis across the central plaza.

Progress on these elements is featured in the gallery of images below.

This panoramic image shows six of the eight pillars that are a key structural element of the main edifice before all were completed.

The eight pillars of the main edifice are now complete, and scaffolding is being set up in the space between the pillars and the completed folding walls for work on the trellis that will span the central plaza.

A semi-circle of folding walls now encloses one side of the central plaza. The second set of folding walls is now being built, mirroring the first on the opposite side of the plaza.

The completed set of folding walls are being joined with one of the portal walls of the south plaza. Also visible on the left of this image are the foundations constructed for the path encircling the Shrine. The space between the path and the walls will eventually be filled with a sloping garden berm.

Progress on garden planters in the north plaza area is seen here. The space between the two sets of completed planters shows where the encircling path will pass through the north plaza.

An aerial view from the northwest looking toward the Riḍván Garden.