Al-Azhar Islamic Foundation, Barrington Hills, IL

Al-Azhar Islamic Foundation is planning an expansion of their facility that will include demolition of an existing one-story ranch building currently used for worship.  The new design is centered on an interior courtyard and includes an Education Wing with 7 classrooms, 2 seminar rooms, a library and bookstore to serve Preschool and Sunday School.  The Prayer Hall located on the opposite side of the courtyard features high ceiling and large arched windows to take advantage of the magnificent views of the wooded lot.  The design features a replica of the distinctive double minaret of Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo, and the exterior borrows from the design elements found in the historic mosque. The project will also include expansion of the existing parking lot and, as part of future Phase 2, a new octagonal Social Hall.