Coptic Diaspora: Supporting Immigrants and Fostering Traditions

Abstract

How immigrants integrate into their host countries has been debated and studied since the early twentieth century. While Canada celebrates the fostering of the immigrant’s identity, the integration process often leads to involuntary assimilation. This can be the case for first-generation immigrants, who typically have a strong identity rooted in their home countries. This identity weakens with the following generations and can often be erased.

Recognizing that architecture can allow for historical and cultural knowledge to be passed down between generations, this thesis implements design configurations for sacred and secular programs to foster that relationship. The Coptic Orthodox denomination, along with its ethnic Egyptian identity, is used to test these configurations. The architectural project, located in Halifax, Canada, aims to support Christian immigrants while strengthening their connection to the Egyptian culture and the Coptic congregation.