Touching on traditional typologies of Coptic churches with hermetic spaces and compartmentalization, the building envelope translates into that of modern life, thought, and technology. The concrete shell of the main church implies a pair of praying hands, symbolizing faith, and the chapel that of cupped hands, holding those who worship safely within.

The Virgin Mary & St. Pachomious Coptic Orthodox Church was conceived as a multi-use, community oriented place of worship in Rockland County.  One enters the relatively narrow, sloped site from the east, driving past the Educational Center and Gymnasium and passing under the Chapel of the complex into what one would consider the sacred portion of the site.

The steep slope of the site has provided a virtual "gateway" to the west of the complex where one enters the Main Church.  Those who visit on foot or by public transportation may enter through the "anchor", or junction of the Educational Center and the Main Church.  The secular and sacred zones of the complex are divided by a circulation spine that runs along the north sides of both the Main Church and the Chapel from north to south providing emergency egress at either end.

With the expansive complex meandering over and throughout the site, elements such as light management, passive air circulation and sun collection systems were devised to maximize energy efficiency, and building performance on a long-term basis.  These systems are also key as the Educational Center and Gymnasium will be in operation virtually year-round in tandem with everyday church services.

Client: The Virgin Mary & St. Pachomius Orthodox Coptic Church | Location: Rockland, NY, USA | Total Floor Area: +100,000ft2 / 9,290m2 | Budget: N/A | Status: Competition, 2000

Design Lead: HTDSTUDIO NY