The Zoroastrian Diaspora: A New Zealand Architectural Intervention

The Parsis are a small but important ethnoreligious group of the Indian subcontinent. Under the British Raj (1858-1947), many Parsis were able to establish themselves as leaders in business, politics and public management with an influence far exceeding their numerical strength. Following Indian Independence in 1947, that sheer influence has declined alongside the total Parsi community population in India. Like their Indian counterparts, many Parsi families and individuals have dispersed overseas, drawn in by the opportunities that the western world presents. During the last thirty years, New Zealand has emerged as a growing destination of choice.

Although, a point of contention amongst academics and members of the Parsi community – many reasons have been attributed to the steeply declining Parsi population ranging from religious and ethnic exclusivity to loss of fertility and the consequential fall in birth rate below sustainability levels. David John Weaver’s initial research for his thesis ‘The Parsi Dilemma: A New Zealand Perspective’. One reason for the decline, which was omitted from academic discourse but appeared to be important, “was the significance of Parsi culture, in particular the traditional emphasis on individual achievement, at the expense of communal cohesion” (Weaver, 2012, ii).

In 2006, it was proposed to the Zoroastrian Community of New Zealand that a community centre be established in Auckland. The purpose of this centre would be to provide a space for communal worship, as well as a permanent events centre for Zoroastrian functions, gatherings, and festivities, thereby, shaping the future of small but impactful Zoroastrian community in New Zealand. By raising awareness about Parsi culture, while preserving its heritage, amongst their families, youth, and future generations.

As a response, the Zoroastrian Community Trust of New Zealand (ZCT) was formed in 2007 to oversee the community centre project. Over the past fifteen years, “ZCT has collected funds through one-off donations from locals, fundraising efforts, and pledge donations. To date ZCT has 55 Pledge Donors, from 200 families in New Zealand” (Zoroastrian Community Trust, 2019). Zoroastrians are a community yearning for growth. In New Zealand, the current population stands at around 800, which includes an increasing younger demographic with a desperate need for a congregational space for both religious and communal affairs.

Hence, through investigative design-led research; I will examine the current need to design and construct a Zoroastrian community centre in New Zealand. From the outset, I will be required to conduct a series of in-depth interviews with a sample size of Parsis currently residing in New Zealand. The outcome of these interviews, alongside a concise case study of Parsi history will underpin the bulk of my research. Following the research phase I will proceed to conduct a thorough design stimulation intervention. Finally, I will end my investigation by evaluating my design intervention and consider/examine the implications of my findings.