MOSQUE REAL BIG: The New Park 51 Islamic Community Center (PHOTOS)

 Conceptual sketches of the Islamic center planned two blocks from ground zero envision a futuristic-looking building wrapped in a honeycomb of abstract shapes, with a core containing far more space for secular pursuits than religious worship.

The renderings, some of which were posted on the project's website this week, are preliminary, but they project the development team's desire to build something cosmopolitan and fun on a site now known only for controversy.

'I don't think that once this thing gets built, anyone will be picketing,' said Sharif El-Gamal, the project's developer.

Groundbreaking for construction is probably two to three years away, 'or hopefully sooner,' El-Gamal told The Associated Press.