Alhuda Foundation
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Ball State Interior Design Students Help Shape the Alhuda Islamic Center in Fishers
In partnership with Alhuda Foundation, the Ball State University Interior Design Department collaborated with community leadership to support the transformation of the Alhuda Foundation building into a new mosque and community hub serving the growing Muslim population in Fishers, Indiana.
A vision proposed by the community
This journey began in 2016, when Alhuda Foundation’s Board of Trustees proposed a new community center to meet expanding needs for a larger prayer area, social gathering spaces, and a gym for activities. From the outset, the Board prioritized an engaged, community driven process, appointing a committee to manage planning and supervision with direct input from community members.
Leadership and immersive learning collaboration
In June 2016, Adnan Masoud, serving as president of the Board of Directors for the construction committee, contacted Shireen Kanakri to lead the project. By August 2016, senior interior design students in Studio 5 were introduced to the commission through Ball State Immersive Learning.
Led by Kanakri, 17 students worked in groups to develop proposals grounded in evidence based design and community feedback, translating aspirations into functional, culturally responsive interior concepts.
From student proposals to construction documents
In spring 2017, two student proposals were selected and advanced for technical development. The selected concepts served as the foundation for the final plans, moving from academic exploration into executable project delivery.
Selected Immersive Learning Projects
First Place Winner: Lauren Messmen and Lilly Martin
Lauren Messmen
Lilly Martin
Entry submission
Second Place Winner: Emilie Diggs
Emilie Diggs
Entry submission
Dr. Kanakri then refined and edited the student work into a coordinated set of design development drawings, bridging academic theory and practical application. From there, KrM Architecture strengthened the plans for code compliance, constructability, and design cohesion, producing construction documents and supporting approvals with the City of Fishers for zoning and permits.
Dr. Shireen Kanari
Refined drawing by KrM
Construction and opening
Construction began after ground was broken in 2019. On June 4, 2021, the Alhuda Islamic Center of Indiana opened its doors to the public. The musalla totals 13,000 square feet with 28 foot high ceilings and capacity for approximately 400 people. The prayer hall features custom carpet sourced from Turkey, and three interior domes with hand painted murals and designs completed over four months by Jessica Hancock of Noblesville.
Construction Phase
Opening (Images of stakeholders, community, and BSU students)
A model for community centered learning and design delivery
The Alhuda project demonstrates what is possible when community leadership, student driven research, and professional oversight align around a shared goal. From early visioning in 2016 to opening in 2021, the project reflects a multi year partnership that connected education, mentorship, and real world implementation to deliver a space designed for worship, gathering, and long term community use.
