A thesis concerning the evolution of an ethnic society in the United States and how this evolution effects the design of religious and cultural buildings

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Authors
Dimopoulos, Sam G.
Advisor
Wyman, John E.
Issue Date
1985
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B. Arch.)
Department
College of Architecture and Planning
Other Identifiers
Abstract

In order to conduct Religious services and partake in social events like festivals, the people of an ethnic community required the design of religious and cultural buildings. These building function as the focal point of the community where people of the same faith and heritage can associate with one another.Inuring the evolution of an ethnic society in the United States, the connection with its heritage became progressively weaker. Whether it is due to the lapse of time or the influence of American culture, the origins and traditional are no longer reflected in the community architecture, 6y studying the origins and evolution of culture and traditions of a particular ethnic group as found in images, symbols, motifs and ceremony in religious and social buildings a more vital architecture is achieved that becomes the focal point of that ethnic community. In order for an ethnic society to co-exist within the "Melting Pot" of the United States, it must not release itself from its heritage. The bond which all its members share is embedded strongly within the ethnic society's traditions. Once this bond is lost, the people become unattached and what once was a strong ethnic becomes a memory of times past.This Thesis is a study involving the origins and evolution of the Saint George Greek Orthodox Community of Lake County, Indiana which is in its next stage of evolution.