Antakya Rising: Foster + Partners leads Revitalization Efforts after Devastating Earthquake
Table of Contents
- Antakya Rising: Foster + Partners leads Revitalization Efforts after Devastating Earthquake
- Rebuilding Antakya: A Masterplan for Resilience and Renewal
- Rebuilding Antakya: Foster + Partners’ Vision for a Resilient Future After the Devastating Earthquake
- Rebuilding After Tragedy: Lessons from Antalya’s Masterplan – An Interview with Urban Planning Expert
Two years after the catastrophic earthquake that ripped through Turkey and Syria, leaving antakya, an ancient city steeped in history, in ruins, the region is slowly rebuilding. among the hardest hit areas, Antakya, once known as Antioch, lost over 80% of its structures, claiming over 20,000 lives. Now, amidst the rubble, a beacon of hope shines: a comprehensive revitalization effort spearheaded by the Türkiye Design Council, collaborating with international architectural giants foster + Partners, turkish firms DB Architects and KEYM Urban Renewal Centre, alongside engineering experts Buro Happold and MIC-HUB.
“Antakya, like much of hatay, has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times in its long history,” shares 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, renowned for their innovative urban planning projects, has unveiled a masterplan spanning 30 square kilometers, meticulously designed to balance restoration with modern urban design principles. Their approach prioritizes community engagement, sustainability, and a deep respect for Antakya’s unique cultural heritage.
“Building Back Better: Lessons Learned From Disaster Recovery”
The masterplan, informed by eight key design principles, focuses on rebuilding on safe ground, improving circulation and open spaces, creating vibrant new districts, layering neighborhoods, enhancing connectivity, and prioritizing sustainable practices.
These principles resonate with similar initiatives seen in disaster-stricken areas across the globe. Following hurricane Katrina, New Orleans implemented a comprehensive rebuilding strategy emphasizing resilience, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Similarly, after the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, the city adopted a “Rebuild Christchurch” plan prioritizing green infrastructure, pedestrian-pleasant streets, and community-driven design.
Antakya’s masterplan echoes these global efforts, demonstrating the importance of learning from past disasters and implementing innovative solutions for a more resilient future.
A Community-Driven Approach: Empowering Local Voices
Recognizing the profound impact of the earthquake on residents, the Türkiye Design Council prioritized community engagement from the outset.
“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,” explains Demirci.A tangible manifestation of this commitment is 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 here, bringing together residents, NGOs, and professional stakeholders to ensure transparency and foster a sense of ownership in shaping Antakya’s future.
This community-driven approach aligns with successful urban revitalization projects worldwide. The High Line in New York City, as an example, transformed a derelict elevated railway into a vibrant public park through extensive community engagement, demonstrating the transformative power of involving residents in shaping their urban surroundings.
Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Future
Antakya’s revitalization journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of collaborative design.
While challenges remain,the masterplan’s emphasis on sustainability,community engagement,and cultural preservation offers a blueprint for rebuilding not just structures,but a thriving,resilient,and inclusive city.
Antakya’s story serves as a powerful reminder that disaster recovery is not merely about rebuilding infrastructure; it’s about rebuilding communities, fostering hope, and creating a brighter future.
Rebuilding Antakya: A Masterplan for Resilience and Renewal
Two years after the devastating earthquakes that ripped through Turkey and Syria, the city of Antakya, in the Hatay province, is slowly rising from the rubble. The once vibrant heart of the region, known for its rich history and cultural tapestry, was left in ruins, with thousands of lives lost and countless structures destroyed.
In the face of this immense tragedy, a beacon of hope has emerged: a comprehensive urban masterplan spearheaded by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, in collaboration with the Türkiye Design Council. This ambitious project aims not only to rebuild Antakya but to transform it into a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive city for the future.
“The masterplan is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of antakya,” said Furkan Demirci,a key figure in the project. “It’s a vision for a city that embraces its past while looking towards a brighter future.”
Preserving Heritage, Embracing the Future
Central to the masterplan is a deep respect for Antakya’s rich cultural heritage. The city, frequently enough described as a “mosaic of archaeological and religious heritage,” boasts a wealth of ancient sites, including ancient bathhouses, churches, mosques, and synagogues.
“For Furkan Demirci, central to the masterplan is a commitment to preserving Antakya’s unique historical and cultural fabric,” the article states. “The city, described as a mosaic of archaeological and religious heritage, will see important restoration efforts directed toward sites such as the Uzun Bazaar, ancient bathhouses, churches, mosques, and synagogues. the plans not only safeguard these landmarks but also reestablish them as key elements of the cityscape.”
The masterplan includes a comprehensive protection plan for 307 hectares of the historic city center, developed in close consultation with local scholars and the Ministry of Culture. This ensures that Antakya’s past remains an integral part of its future.
Building Back Better: Resilience and Sustainability
The masterplan also prioritizes climate resilience and disaster-proof urban planning. Antakya’s location along the Asi River,which divides the city into old and new,makes it notably vulnerable to flooding.
“Given Antakya’s location along the Asi River, dividing the city into old and new, flood mitigation strategies are central to the redevelopment, with high-risk areas designated for green infrastructure rather than intensive construction,” the article explains.
This approach not only reduces the risk of future flooding but also creates more green spaces,enhancing the city’s livability and environmental sustainability.Investing in People: Education, Healthcare, and Public Spaces
the masterplan recognizes that rebuilding a city is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in its people.
“Public spaces have been expanded considerably — green areas across the city have grown from 136,000 square meters to 778,000 square meters, while educational and healthcare facilities have also seen considerable increases in capacity,” the article notes.
The inclusion of pedestrianized roads and new bicycle lanes further reflects an emphasis on livability and accessibility.
A Model for Urban Renewal
The Antakya masterplan is more than just a blueprint for rebuilding; it’s a model for urban renewal that prioritizes social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
“This, aligned with the Türkiye Design Council and Foster + partners’ broader vision of urban sustainability, considers equal integration of ecological, social, and economic factors,” the article states.
The project’s success will depend on the continued collaboration between the government, local communities, and international partners.
Lessons for the U.S.
The Antakya masterplan offers valuable lessons for U.S.cities facing similar challenges, such as aging infrastructure, climate change, and social inequality.
Prioritize Resilience: Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure is crucial for mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly common in the U.S.
Embrace Sustainable Progress: Integrating environmental considerations into urban planning can create healthier, more livable cities.
Invest in Public Spaces: Parks, plazas, and other public spaces can foster community engagement and improve quality of life.
Promote Equitable Development: Ensuring that all residents have access to opportunities and resources is essential for creating inclusive cities.The Antakya masterplan is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and resilience. It is indeed a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can build back better and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Rebuilding Antakya: Foster + Partners’ Vision for a Resilient Future After the Devastating Earthquake
Two years have passed as the catastrophic earthquakes that ripped through Turkey and Syria, leaving behind a trail of destruction and displacement.Among the hardest hit areas was Antakya, the capital of Hatay province in southern Turkey. The city, once a vibrant cultural hub, was left in ruins, with thousands of buildings reduced to rubble. In the face of this immense tragedy, a beacon of hope has emerged: a comprehensive urban masterplan developed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners.
The plan, unveiled in February 2025, aims to not only rebuild Antakya but to create a more resilient and sustainable city for the future.
“Our vision is to create a city that is not only physically rebuilt but also socially and economically revitalized,” said Norman Foster, founder of Foster + Partners. “We want to create a place that is safe, inclusive, and vibrant, a place where people can thrive.” [[1]]
The masterplan, developed in collaboration with Buro Happold, MIC-HUB, DB Architects, and KEYM Urban Renewal Centre, spans a 30-square kilometer area of the Hatay province’s capital district. It encompasses a wide range of initiatives, from the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure to the creation of new public spaces and housing.
Key Features of the masterplan:
Resilient Infrastructure: The plan prioritizes the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings and infrastructure, incorporating the latest seismic design principles.This includes the use of innovative materials and construction techniques to ensure the city can withstand future tremors.
Green Spaces and Public Realm: A network of parks, green corridors, and public squares will be integrated throughout the city, creating a more livable and sustainable environment. These spaces will not only provide recreational opportunities but also serve as vital green infrastructure, mitigating the urban heat island effect and improving air quality.
Mixed-Use Development: The plan encourages mixed-use development, combining residential, commercial, and cultural spaces in a way that promotes walkability and reduces reliance on cars. This will create vibrant, self-contained neighborhoods that foster a sense of community.
Economic Revitalization: The masterplan includes strategies to support local businesses and attract new investment, creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy. This could involve the development of new industrial zones, technology parks, and tourism initiatives.
Social Inclusion: The plan emphasizes the importance of social inclusion, ensuring that all residents have access to quality housing, education, healthcare, and other essential services. This includes providing affordable housing options and creating inclusive public spaces that cater to the needs of diverse communities.
Lessons Learned and Global Implications:
The Antakya masterplan offers valuable lessons for cities around the world,particularly those located in seismically active regions. It highlights the importance of:
Proactive Planning: Investing in long-term urban planning that anticipates future risks, such as earthquakes, is crucial for building resilient cities.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the planning process is essential for ensuring that the resulting solutions meet the needs and aspirations of the people who will live in them.
Sustainable Design: Integrating sustainable design principles into urban planning can create cities that are more resilient to climate change and other environmental challenges. Innovation and Collaboration: fostering collaboration between architects,engineers,policymakers,and other stakeholders is key to developing innovative and effective solutions.The Antakya masterplan is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the unwavering spirit of resilience. It serves as a model for rebuilding communities in the face of adversity and creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Practical Takeaways for U.S. Cities:
While the antakya masterplan is specific to the context of Turkey,its key principles can be applied to U.S. cities as well. Here are some practical takeaways:
Seismic Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough seismic risk assessments to identify vulnerable buildings and infrastructure. building Codes and Regulations: strengthen building codes and regulations to ensure new construction is earthquake-resistant. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage public-private partnerships to invest in infrastructure improvements and disaster preparedness.
Community Resilience Programs: Develop community resilience programs that educate residents on earthquake safety and preparedness.
green Infrastructure: Integrate green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve the overall health of the city.
By learning from the experiences of cities like Antakya, U.S. cities can take proactive steps to build more resilient and sustainable communities for the future.
Rebuilding After Tragedy: Lessons from Antalya’s Masterplan – An Interview with Urban Planning Expert
After the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, how is the rebuilding effort in Antakya shaping up, and what are the key lessons for urban planners globally?
Expert: The Antakya masterplan, developed by Foster + partners, offers a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of thoughtful urban planning. It goes beyond simply reconstructing destroyed buildings; it focuses on creating a more resilient, lasting, and inclusive city for the future.
What are some of the most critically important features of this masterplan?
Expert: Several key elements set this plan apart. Firstly,it emphasizes earthquake-resistant infrastructure,incorporating the latest seismic design principles and innovative materials in building and infrastructure construction.
Secondly, the plan prioritizes green spaces and public realms, weaving a network of parks, green corridors, and plazas throughout the city.
This not only enhances the livability but also creates vital green infrastructure to mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.
Lastly, the focus on mixed-use development promotes walkability, reduces reliance on cars, and fosters vibrant, self-contained neighborhoods.
How does this plan address social inclusion and economic revitalization?
Expert: Recognizing that rebuilding is about more than bricks and mortar, the plan integrates social inclusion by ensuring all residents have access to quality housing, education, healthcare, and essential services. This includes providing affordable housing options and creating inclusive public spaces.
Economic revitalization is also a key focus, with strategies to support local businesses, attract new investment, and create job opportunities thru initiatives like new industrial zones and tourism development.
what specific lessons can other cities, particularly those in seismically active regions, learn from the Antakya masterplan?
Expert: This masterplan offers several invaluable lessons.
Proactive Planning:
Investing in long-term urban planning that anticipates risks like earthquakes is crucial.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the planning process is vital for ensuring the solutions meet thier specific needs and aspirations.
Sustainable Design: Integrating sustainable design principles into urban planning creates cities more resilient to climate change and other environmental challenges.
Innovation and Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between architects, engineers, policymakers, and other stakeholders is key to developing effective solutions.
What practical advice would you give to U.S. cities looking to implement similar strategies to enhance their own resilience?
Expert: U.S. cities facing seismic risks should:
Conduct thorough seismic risk assessments to identify vulnerable buildings and infrastructure.
Strengthen building codes and regulations to ensure earthquake-resistant construction.
Invest in public-private partnerships to address infrastructure improvements and disaster preparedness.
Develop community resilience programs to educate residents about earthquake safety and preparedness.
By learning from the Antakya masterplan and integrating these strategies, U.S. cities can build more resilient and sustainable communities for generations to come.