A $1.3 Billion Project for the New Hatay
Work launched to restore Hatay after the February 6 earthquakes is continuing. The project, led by the Türkiye Design Foundation (TTV), aims to preserve the city’s historic fabric, make use of existing buildings wherever possible and create new living spaces in line with modern urban planning.
In the work carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the design and planning projects prepared for Antakya’s city center in particular stand out.
Architect Mehmet Kalyoncu, Founder of the Türkiye Design Foundation, stated that the work in the pilot project area has reached an important stage and that the project deliverables have been handed over. The conservation-oriented design and planning work in the old city is planned to be detailed and completed.
The Old City and the New City Will Be Approached Differently
Preserving the historical and architectural identity inherited from the city’s past stands out as one of the core goals of Hatay’s reconstruction. Mehmet Kalyoncu stated that, in the planning approach, the old city and the new city will be addressed according to their different needs.
While the focus in the old city is on preserving the historic fabric and existing buildings, the aim in the new city is to create a settlement model that meets contemporary urban planning standards. In this way, post-earthquake reconstruction is intended not to be limited to constructing new buildings, but to carry Hatay’s urban identity into the future.
A 1.3 Million Square Meter Pilot Project in Antakya
The pilot project area in central Antakya is reported to cover approximately 1.3 million square meters. Assessments of the construction cost indicate that, based on approximately $1,000 per square meter, the total investment could reach around $1.3 billion.
Developed for the revitalization of Hatay, the project addresses not only construction but also urban planning, historic areas and city life as a whole. Following the design process, work is also planned to continue on developing the resources needed to implement the project.
Damaged but Structurally Sound Buildings May Be Preserved
The condition of existing buildings affected by the earthquake is also being taken into account in redesigning Hatay. Mehmet Kalyoncu stated that the plans have been updated according to the condition of existing buildings as regional data has emerged.
Accordingly, the inclusion in the new city plan of buildings that were damaged in the earthquake but can still be structurally preserved is being considered. Preserving buildings that do not need to be demolished is important both for the continuity of the existing urban fabric and for the efficient use of resources.
A Holistic Urban Planning Approach for Hatay
At the core of the work carried out by the Türkiye Design Foundation lies the creation of a comprehensive urban design that correctly identifies Hatay’s needs. The city’s history, existing buildings and the needs that may arise in the future are assessed within the same planning process.
Bringing together the preservation of historical heritage and a modern approach to urban planning, the New Hatay project aims to create a safer, more livable and sustainable city in Antakya and its surroundings.