Rebuilding Antakya: A Design-Led Approach to Urban Revival

Two years after the devastating 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, ⁣the city of ‌Antakya, a⁣ past site of⁣ immense cultural significance, is slowly rising from the rubble. Over 80% of Antakya was destroyed in the disaster, claiming the lives of over 20,000 ‍people. In​ the face of this tragedy,the Türkiye Design council has emerged⁣ as a leading force in the city’s revitalization,spearheading a ⁣design-driven approach to ‌rebuilding ‌that prioritizes‌ both resilience ‍and the preservation of Antakya’s rich heritage.⁤

“antakya, like much of Hatay, has been destroyed and‌ rebuilt seven times in its‍ long history,” says Furkan Demirci, Chairperson of the Türkiye Design Council. “Its resilience is embedded in its DNA, and now, we​ are rebuilding it with new ⁣memories, new stories that honor⁢ the city’s deep-rooted cultural history.”

Foster + Partners, the renowned British architecture firm, has been entrusted with the growth of Antakya’s masterplan, a complete vision spanning 30‌ square kilometers. In collaboration with Turkish practices DB Architects and KEYM Urban Renewal Center, alongside Buro Happold and⁤ MIC-HUB, the team is committed to retaining the city’s pre-earthquake character, scale, and⁤ layout while incorporating modern urban design principles.The masterplan’s eight key design principles, outlined last year, emphasize building on safe land, optimizing circulation and⁢ open spaces, creating ⁢new​ neighborhoods, and fostering connectivity. Crucially, the design recognizes the​ need to rebuild ⁢sustainably, taking into account the social, environmental, and economic well-being of the community.The human-centered approach of the regeneration plan has been instrumental in fostering community engagement. One ‌impactful initiative was the establishment of a community hub, a cluster of modular, prefabricated units serving ⁤as the Türkiye Design Council’s campus and Community⁢ Center.

Over 40 meetings have been held at this hub,​ bringing together local residents, NGOs, and professional stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of the city.

“When you lose everything — your home, your family, your job — the process ‌of ‍designing and discussing what the future city should look like becomes an act of healing. It gives people agency, it gives them hope,” says Furkan Demirci, highlighting the‌ transformative power of this inclusive approach.

The rebuilding of Antakya is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome ​adversity. By embracing‌ a design-led⁣ approach that prioritizes community engagement and sustainability, the city is paving the way for a brighter future,​ one where tradition⁤ and innovation coexist to create a vibrant and resilient urban landscape. As Antakya rebuilds, its story serves as an inspiration to communities ‍worldwide facing similar challenges, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts to transform tragedy into hope.

Hatay Rebuilt: A Masterplan for Sustainability and Resilience

Two years after the devastating earthquakes that ravaged Antakya, Turkey, a comprehensive masterplan is underway ‍to revitalize the‍ historic city. Led by‌ renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners in collaboration with the Türkiye design Council, ⁢this ambitious project⁢ prioritizes not only rebuilding infrastructure but also fostering ‌a more ‌sustainable, resilient, ⁢and ​inclusive future⁢ for Hatay.

Beyond Bricks and ⁣Mortar: preserving History, Embracing the Future

For Furkan‌ Demirci, overseeing the masterplan’s implementation, safeguarding Antakya’s cultural heritage is paramount.”The city is a mosaic of archaeological and religious heritage,” he notes, ‌highlighting the importance of restoring sites such as the Uzun Bazaar, ancient bathhouses, ⁣churches, mosques, and synagogues. This commitment extends to the development of a protection plan for 307 hectares of the historic city center, crafted in consultation with local ⁤scholars and the Ministry of Culture to ensure that Antakya’s past informs its‍ future.

Climate Resilience:⁢ building a City for​ the Future

The masterplan also recognizes the urgent need for climate resilience, particularly in a city situated alongside the Asi River.​ Flood mitigation strategies, with a focus on green infrastructure in high-risk ⁣areas, are central to the redevelopment efforts. this forward-thinking approach prioritizes public green ​spaces,​ which have expanded significantly, growing⁤ from 136,000 square ‌meters to a remarkable⁢ 778,000 square meters.

Furthermore, the expansion of pedestrianized roads and dedicated bicycle lanes emphasizes the goal of⁤ a more ​livable and accessible city. The masterplan’s focus on sustainable infrastructure, coupled with the development of a new concert hall, library, and theater, demonstrates a ‌holistic approach that prioritizes social well-being alongside environmental protection.

Groundbreaking Progress: A City Reshaped

Construction has already⁣ commenced across key districts, including⁣ the historic city ⁣center and areas‍ such as Defne, İskenderun, Kırıkhan, and⁢ Samandağ. Within a 50-hectare ​pilot area, the number ⁤of ​residential and commercial units has been retained while public space has doubled. This strategic approach ensures that the⁢ heart of the city remains intact while fostering a more vibrant and inclusive community.

A Vision for the Future

The Hatay masterplan represents more than just physical reconstruction; it is a testament to the human ⁤spirit’s ability to rebuild and revitalize after​ tragedy.‍ By integrating ecological, social, and economic considerations, the project sets a compelling ⁤example for sustainable urban development in the face of global challenges. As Antakya rises from ⁣the ashes, it⁤ does so with a‌ renewed commitment to its rich cultural heritage and ‌a vision for a brighter, more resilient future.

Hatay Earthquake Recovery: Foster + Partners Unveils Urban‌ Masterplan

Two years after‍ the devastating earthquake struck Hatay, Turkey, renowned architectural firm‌ Foster‍ + Partners⁤ has⁤ unveiled a comprehensive urban​ masterplan aimed at rebuilding the province’s‌ capital ⁢district. The ambitious proposal, spanning 30 square kilometers, seeks to create a resilient,⁤ sustainable, and inclusive city for ⁤the future.

Developed ‍in collaboration with Buro Happold, MIC-HUB, DB Architects, and KEYM Urban renewal ‌Centre, the masterplan prioritizes ⁤community engagement, environmental sustainability, and ⁢innovative infrastructure. ⁤Key elements include:

• Resilient Infrastructure: The plan emphasizes earthquake-resistant construction techniques and resilient infrastructure to withstand ‌future seismic events.
• Green Spaces and ⁣Urban Ecology: ‌Extensive green spaces, parks, ⁤and urban forests will be integrated throughout the district, promoting biodiversity, improving air⁣ quality, and ⁣enhancing the ‌overall livability.
• Mixed-Use Development: Fostering vibrant communities, the masterplan ⁢encourages mixed-use development, combining residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces.
• Accessible Transportation: ​ Prioritizing pedestrian-pleasant streets, efficient public transportation, and cycling infrastructure, the⁤ plan aims to reduce reliance on cars and promote sustainable mobility.

“The masterplan aims to create ⁢a city that is not only physically resilient ⁤but also socially and economically vibrant,” said Norman ‌Foster, founder of⁢ Foster + Partners. “We believe that architecture can play a crucial role in healing communities and fostering hope for the future.”

the masterplan’s implementation is expected​ to take ‌several years, involving extensive community⁤ consultation, stakeholder ​engagement, and phased construction.

This ambitious ​project represents a important step towards rebuilding Hatay‍ and creating a model for sustainable ​urban ​recovery in⁣ the wake of disaster. By prioritizing resilience, sustainability, and community ⁤engagement, the masterplan offers a blueprint for creating a brighter future for the people of Hatay.

Learn more about the Hatay earthquake recovery efforts and explore initiatives promoting⁣ sustainable urban development worldwide. ⁣Join​ the⁢ conversation and share your insights on ​rebuilding communities after disasters.

How is ⁣community engagement shaping the future of Hatay’s rebuilding efforts?

Hatay Rebuilt: An‍ Interview with Furkan Demirci

Two years after the devastating earthquakes ⁣that shook Hatay, Turkey, the city is embarking on an ambitious journey of rebuilding. Furkan Demirci,the leading architect overseeing the masterplan,shares insights into the vision for Hatay’s future.

Challenges ‍and Opportunities

Archyde: Furkan,‍ Hatay has endured unimaginable hardship. What are the major challenges you’ve encountered in shaping​ a rebuilding plan for ‍this‌ historic city?

Furkan Demirci: The ⁢earthquakes left a ⁤deep scar on Hatay, both physically and emotionally.We’ve had to confront the complexities of preserving cultural heritage while ensuring earthquake-resilient construction for the future. Balancing the need for sustainable infrastructure⁢ with the economic realities of post-disaster reconstruction has also been a significant hurdle.

Preserving Identity

Archyde: How is the masterplan striving to⁣ maintain the cultural identity of Antakya while incorporating ⁤modern urban design?

Furkan Demirci: We⁢ believe that authentic urban fabric is built on cultural continuity. Our approach emphasizes retaining the pre-earthquake character of districts like the⁤ Uzun Bazaar, ancient bathhouses, churches, mosques, and synagogues. ‍A ⁣dedicated protection plan ensures these ancient gems are ⁤preserved⁤ and integrated into the new urban landscape.

A Sustainable Future

Archyde: Hatay‍ is situated near​ the Asi River. How are you incorporating ⁤climate resilience into the rebuilding strategy?

Furkan Demirci: Climate change ⁤is a major concern. The masterplan prioritizes green infrastructure and flood mitigation ⁤strategies in high-risk areas. We’re creating extensive parklands, green roofs,⁢ and permeable pavements to ‍manage rainwater ⁤and reduce runoff. this ensures a more resilient city for the future.

Community at the Core

Archyde: What role is community engagement playing⁤ in shaping the‌ future of Hatay?

Furkan Demirci: ⁢Community engagement is essential to this project. We’ve established a community hub where local residents, ngos, and professionals come together to discuss and shape the urban ⁤design. Their insights and aspirations ⁣are just as critically important as our technical expertise. This collaborative approach ensures ⁣that the city we build reflects the needs and dreams of its people.

The rebuilding of Hatay is a testament to‍ the indomitable spirit of its people. By embracing a holistic approach that combines sustainability, ⁤cultural preservation, and ‍community-driven design, Hatay is ⁤paving the way for a brighter future. What are your thoughts on⁤ the importance of community engagement in urban ⁤rebuilding efforts?