20 Architecture Offices Redesigned Hatay
The design and planning process of the “Hatay Revitalization Project”, carried out to restore Hatay, which was severely affected by the February 6 earthquakes, has been completed. The work, led by the Türkiye Design Foundation (TTV), was presented to the public at a launch event held in Antakya.
The project aims to revitalize Hatay’s city centers, preserve its historical and cultural heritage and create a city that is more resilient to future disasters. Experts from different disciplines and around 20 architecture offices came together for the work.
A Shared Design Process for Hatay
Mehmet Kalyoncu, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Türkiye Design Foundation, stated that the work for Hatay was carried out with a spirit of volunteerism and responsibility. Noting that the project was shaped through the solidarity of different architecture offices, Kalyoncu pointed out that Hatay’s reconstruction could set an important example for urban planning in Türkiye.
The work is intended to serve as a guide not only for Hatay but also for other cities facing earthquake risk. The reconstruction considers many elements together, from infrastructure to superstructure and from urban quality of life to the preservation of historical heritage.
Around 5,000 Homes on a 50-Hectare Site
Furkan Demirci, Chairman of the Board of the Türkiye Design Foundation, stated that revitalizing cities after an earthquake requires comprehensive, long-term planning.
The project aims to design nearly 5,000 housing units on an area of approximately 50 hectares. The planning process considers not only housing needs but also social life, urban culture, economic activity and resilience to disasters.
Preserving the region’s deep-rooted heritage and ensuring that new construction is more resilient to future disasters are among the project’s priorities in Hatay’s reconstruction.
Antakya’s Collective Memory Will Be Preserved
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serhat Başdoğan, General Manager of the Türkiye Design Foundation, stated that the Hatay Revitalization Project aims to unlock the city’s potential and to strengthen its cultural and economic life once again.
Preserving the collective memory of Antakya’s historic city center in particular forms the core approach of the project. The work, developed on the basis of the historic center’s architectural heritage, aims to support local people’s return to the city and to help reconstruction begin from the center.
A Guide for Earthquake-Affected Cities
The Hatay Revitalization Project envisions post-earthquake urban planning that goes beyond constructing new buildings and readdresses cities together with their social and cultural values.
Bringing together themes such as preserving historical heritage, improving quality of life and creating a disaster-resilient city, the project sets out a holistic urban planning approach for Hatay’s future.
Developed with contributions from different architecture offices under the umbrella of the Türkiye Design Foundation, the work aims to create a model not only for Hatay’s revitalization but also for other earthquake-prone cities in Türkiye.