Abstract
Designing cities and public buildings became one of the vital challenges in pursuing social, economic, and environmental sustainability of this century. Though, most of the practitioners lack the perception of socially sustainable concepts through design methods. Consequently, few practical resources directly address the question of how to design socially sustainable places?! Religious buildings being one of the necessary social institutions play a critical role in developing the community. The Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt is known for serving its community’s wide range through numerous activities that engage communities together at local, national, and international levels. Lately, Coptic Churches appeared with architectural deformities due to social expansion requirements and the lack of socially sustainable design parameters. The study aims to enhance the Coptic Churches’ architecture which certainly influences the community as well preserving its symbolic & spiritual value. The methodology was based on a theoretical study that included the description of a socially sustainable design framework that maintains four main aspects which are the amenities and social infrastructure, social-cultural life, voice and influence, and a space to grow. Subsequently, a practical study through a descriptive analysis of current miscellaneous churches seeking the detection of social design ignorance hazards and also by studying the compatibility of those observations with previously mentioned social sustainable design attributes. The research ends with concluding a precise design framework allied with social sustainability for Coptic Churches. Furthermore, a list of recommendations is to be reflected by different authorities towards enhancing the Coptic Orthodox Church architecture in Egypt.
Presenters
Mirna FaragAssistant Lecturer, Architecture, Misr International University, Egypt, Al Qalyubiyah, Egypt Yasser Sakr
Professor, Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University, Egypt Eman Faiez Maher
Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University, Giza, Egypt
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Sustaining Crisis: (de)growth, Alternative Economies, Greenwashing, Social and Political Movements
KEYWORDS
Social Sustainability, Design Framework, Coptic Orthodox Church, Coptic Architecture Enhancement
