The IAAAE’s architectural efforts can be categorized by project types, design principles, and their impact on communities. Below are the primary areas of contribution:

1. Design and Construction of Mosques

• Purpose: Mosques serve as spiritual and community hubs, fostering worship, education, and social cohesion.
• Notable Projects:
  
  • Mosque Complex in Mali: The IAAAE designed and constructed a mosque complex noted for its aesthetic appeal and functionality, serving as a center for worship and community activities.
  • Baitus Salam Mosque, Sierra Leone: Built to accommodate growing congregations, this mosque reflects the IAAAE’s ability to deliver large-scale religious infrastructure.
  • Mosques Across Africa: The IAAAE has constructed numerous mosques in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and The Gambia, often integrating sustainable features like natural ventilation and local materials.
• Design Features:
  
  • Cultural Resonance: Designs incorporate Islamic architectural elements (e.g., domes, minarets) while adapting to local aesthetics and climates.
  • Sustainability: Use of locally sourced materials (e.g., mud bricks, stone) and energy-efficient designs reduces costs and environmental impact.
  • Community Involvement: Local labor is employed, and communities are trained to maintain structures, ensuring longevity.
• Impact: These mosques provide spaces for prayer, religious education, and community gatherings, strengthening spiritual and social bonds. For example, the Baitus Salam Mosque in Sierra Leone has become a focal point for local Ahmadis, enhancing community identity.

2. Educational Infrastructure (Schools and Colleges)

• Purpose: Schools address educational disparities in rural Africa, where access to quality education is limited.
• Notable Projects:
  
  • Masroor International Technical College: A flagship project aimed at training Africans in technical skills, reducing reliance on foreign engineers. The college’s design likely includes classrooms, workshops, and sustainable features like solar power.
  • Schools in Model Villages: In projects like Gbeyakarou, Benin, the IAAAE constructs schools as part of model villages, integrating them with water and energy infrastructure.
  • School in Tanzania: A multi-storey school building was constructed, praised for its durability and aesthetic design, serving hundreds of students.
• Design Features:
  
  • Eco-Friendly Materials: Use of locally available materials like compressed earth blocks to lower costs and environmental footprint.
  • Climate Adaptation: Designs incorporate natural lighting, ventilation, and shade to suit hot climates, reducing energy needs.
  • Scalability: Modular designs allow for future expansion as community needs grow.
• Impact: These schools provide safe, conducive learning environments, increasing literacy rates and empowering youth. The Masroor International Technical College, for instance, aims to produce skilled professionals, fostering economic self-sufficiency.

3. Healthcare Facilities (Hospitals and Clinics)

• Purpose: Hospitals and clinics improve access to medical care in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
• Notable Projects:
  
  • Hospital in Burkina Faso: The IAAAE constructed a hospital to serve rural communities, likely incorporating sustainable design elements.
  • Clinics in Model Villages: In projects like the Model Village in The Gambia, clinics are built to provide basic healthcare, integrated with water and energy systems.
• Design Features:
  
  • Functional Design: Facilities include consultation rooms, pharmacies, and spaces for medical equipment, optimized for efficient care delivery.
  • Renewable Energy Integration: Clinics often use solar panels (via the Alternative Energy Committee) to power lighting and medical devices.
  • Local Materials: Construction with local materials ensures affordability and blends with the environment.
• Impact: These facilities reduce mortality from preventable diseases, support maternal and child health, and enable vaccinations, significantly improving community well-being.

4. Model Village Project

• Purpose: Model villages integrate sustainable buildings with water and energy systems to create self-sufficient communities.
• Notable Projects:
  
  • Gbeyakarou, Benin: This model village includes sustainable buildings (e.g., homes, schools, mosques) alongside wells and solar panels, serving as a prototype for scalable development.
  • 20 Model Villages by 2019: The IAAAE completed 20 model villages across Africa, each featuring eco-friendly infrastructure tailored to local needs.
  • Model Village in The Gambia: Raised £75,000 through community fundraising, this village includes residential and community buildings designed for durability and sustainability.
• Design Features:
  
  • Holistic Design: Buildings are planned in conjunction with water pumps and solar systems, creating integrated ecosystems.
  • Eco-Friendly Construction: Use of mud bricks, thatch, or recycled materials minimizes environmental impact and costs.
  • Community-Centric: Designs reflect local cultural and social needs, ensuring acceptance and functionality.
• Impact: Model villages transform rural areas into thriving hubs, providing shelter, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. For example, Gbeyakarou’s infrastructure supports hundreds of residents, reducing poverty and improving quality of life.

5. Community Centers and Other Infrastructure

• Purpose: Community centers serve as multi-purpose spaces for education, social activities, and governance.
• Notable Projects:
  
  • Multi-Storey Building in Tanzania: A community center praised for its aesthetic and structural excellence, used for gatherings and administrative purposes.
  • Guest Houses and Administrative Buildings: The IAAAE constructs facilities to support community operations, such as guest houses for visiting engineers or offices for local Jamaats.
• Design Features:
  
  • Versatility: Buildings are designed for multiple uses, accommodating diverse community needs.
  • Durability: Structures are built to withstand local weather conditions, such as heavy rains or extreme heat.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Designs balance functionality with beauty, enhancing community pride.
• Impact: These centers strengthen community cohesion, provide spaces for skill-building workshops, and support local governance, fostering resilience and development.